Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF)
North America's most important animation festival, held annually in September in Ottawa, presenting competitive international animation across all forms and lengths to one of the world's most animation-literate festival communities.
Overview
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is North America's most important animation festival. Founded in 1976 and held annually in September in Ottawa -- Canada's capital, a city whose governmental character belies a vibrant creative community -- the festival presents competitive international animation across all forms and lengths.
OIAF has operated for nearly five decades as the continent's primary dedicated animation event, building a community of animation practitioners, students, and enthusiasts that returns year after year. The festival's competitive programs span commercial animation, independent short films, experimental animation, student work, and animated features, creating one of the most comprehensive animation competitive platforms in the world.
The festival takes place biennially in alternating years with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France (the world's largest animation festival), making Ottawa the primary North American animation event in years when Annecy does not hold its market.
Key Sections
- International Competition -- animated films of all lengths competing for jury prizes
- Canadian Competition -- new Canadian animated films
- Student Film Competition -- animated films by students
- Commissioned Films -- animated commercials and commissioned work
- Industry Forum -- professional activities for animation professionals
What Filmmakers Should Know
OIAF accepts open submissions. For North American animation filmmakers, the festival is the most important continental platform. The strong student competition creates specific context for emerging animation talent. Industry events create connections with Canadian and international animation studios.
Major Awards
- Grand Prize -- Best Animated Film
- Jury Prize -- multiple categories
- Best Canadian Animation
- Student Film Award
Festival History
OIAF was founded in 1976 and has operated for nearly five decades as North America's most important dedicated animation festival.
See Also
For animation production, see Animation Techniques Guide. For Annecy, see Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
