Organizer Information
Anima – Brussels International Animation Film Festival is one of Europe’s leading animation film festivals, based in Brussels and organized by Folioscope. Established as a major international platform dedicated exclusively to animation cinema, the festival combines professional industry relevance with strong public outreach, attracting more than 40,000 visitors annually.
The festival operates at the intersection of artistic exhibition, industry networking, and audience development, showcasing a wide spectrum of animated works from experimental shorts to feature-length films and student productions. It is widely recognized within the global animation ecosystem and holds official qualification status for major awards, including the Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best Animated Short Film and BAFTA eligibility for selected UK short films. This positions Anima as a strategically important launch platform for both emerging and established animation filmmakers.
Title & Description
Anima 2027 – International Call for Film Submissions (46th Edition)
Anima – Brussels International Animation Film Festival invites filmmakers, studios, and students worldwide to submit completed animation films for consideration in its 46th edition, taking place from 19 to 28 February 2027 in Brussels.
The call is open to works completed after June 2025 and aims to curate a diverse international programme of animation across multiple formats and audiences. Selected films will be presented in competitive and non-competitive sections, contributing to one of Europe’s most visible animation showcases.
The festival includes a broad programming structure covering feature films, shorts, and children’s content, as well as emerging formats such as virtual reality animation. In addition to screenings, selected filmmakers benefit from international exposure, industry recognition, and access to festival audiences and professionals.
The selection process is competitive, and filmmakers whose works are chosen will be notified individually. The festival emphasizes artistic quality, innovation in animation techniques, and narrative originality across all categories.
Categories
- Feature Films (Animation)
- Feature Films for Children
- International Professional Short Films
- International Student Short Films
- International Short Films for Children
- National Short Films
- Virtual Reality (VR) Short Films
All works must be animation-based and completed after June 2025.
Eligibility
- Open to international filmmakers, studios, and students
- Works must be animated films completed after June 2025
- Both professional and student filmmakers are eligible, depending on the category
- National categories apply to domestic productions (specific national eligibility rules may apply depending on submission origin)
- Films must fit within one of the listed competitive sections
- No explicit age restrictions are stated
Program Benefits & Awards
- Official selection screening at a major international festival
- Exposure to over 40,000 annual attendees
- International industry visibility and press coverage
- Qualification eligibility for:
- Academy Awards (Oscars) – Best Animated Short Film
- BAFTA Awards (for eligible UK short films)
- Cash prizes in the main competition categories
- Presentation of the Anima Trophy (Uō) designed by artist Peggy Boursin
- Networking opportunities with international animation professionals
- Inclusion in a curated festival programme (Feb 2027)
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Film file (animation work)
- Dialogue lists and/or subtitles (if applicable)
- Press kit
- Director biography
- Director filmography
- Production details (as required by submission form)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 2 October 2026
- Short Film Selection Announcement: 4 December 2026
- Feature Film Selection + Full Programme Announcement + Ticket Sales: End of January 2027
- Festival Dates: 19–28 February 2027
Location
Brussels, Belgium
Additional Details
- The festival is both a professional industry event and a public audience festival, combining artistic prestige with broad accessibility.
- It receives over 40,000 visitors annually, making it one of the largest animation-focused festivals in Europe.
- Selected films contribute to a curated international programme spanning multiple competitive categories.
- Winning films in main categories receive both financial awards and the festival’s signature trophy.
- Communication with selected filmmakers is conducted directly via email.