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International Animation Day: 28th October 2025
International Animation Day: October 28, 2025
International Animation Day (IAD) is a global observance held annually on October 28 to celebrate the art of animation, honor its creators, and recognize its profound cultural and technological impact worldwide. In 2025, IAD falls on a Tuesday.
History and Significance of the Date
International Animation Day was proclaimed in 2002 by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA), an organization officially recognized by UNESCO. The date, October 28, was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of a pivotal moment in the art form's history:
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The World's First Public Animation: On October 28, 1892, French inventor Charles-Émile Reynaud presented his Théâtre Optique (Optical Theatre) at the Musée Grévin in Paris.
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Pioneering Technique: Reynaud's system, using his Praxinoscope invention, projected hand-painted, moving images onto a screen before a public audience. His show, featuring pantomimes like Pauvre Pierrot!, marked the first time projected animated images were publicly exhibited, setting the stage for the animation industry that would follow.
By celebrating this date, ASIFA pays tribute to the pioneers who transformed simple drawings into a dynamic medium of expression.
The Role of ASIFA and the Annual Poster
As the coordinating body, ASIFA is central to the global celebration.
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Global Coordination: ASIFA coordinates events and helps promote the celebration in over 50 countries, with local chapters organizing screenings, workshops, and exhibitions.
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The IAD Poster: Each year, ASIFA commissions a notable animator to create an original art poster for International Animation Day. This poster is then adapted and used by coordinating bodies worldwide to guarantee a unified global visual identity for the event.
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2025 Poster Artist: For IAD 2025, the official poster was generously created by Croatian animator and film director Lucija Mrzljak. Her design embraces a classical, hand-drawn aesthetic, with the central inspiration being the concept of animation as “light in the dark,” a creative force that illuminates and brings life to the unseen.
Worldwide Celebration and Impact
IAD serves as a platform to highlight animation's rich heritage, its technical evolution, and its role as a powerful, non-verbal form of cross-cultural communication.
Key Celebrations
Across the globe, cultural institutions, animation schools, studios, and enthusiasts participate through events such as:
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Film Screenings: Showcasing a diverse range of animated works, from historical classics and experimental shorts to full-length features and student films. These often include the Film Program Exchange organized by ASIFA, featuring curated selections of international shorts.
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Workshops and Demonstrations: Offering hands-on opportunities to learn about various animation techniques, including traditional 2D, stop-motion, claymation, and cutting-edge 3D and computer-generated imagery (CGI).
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Panel Discussions and Exhibitions: Animators, writers, and technical artists participate in discussions about the craft, the industry's future (including the integration of AI), and exhibitions of artwork, concept design, and production stills.
Significance of Animation
Animation is celebrated for its versatility and profound impact:
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Limitless Storytelling: It's a medium that transcends the limitations of live-action film, providing an unparalleled canvas for imaginative narratives and fantastical ideas.
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Cultural Bridge: Since many animated films are non-verbal or are easily dubbed, animation acts as a universal language, allowing stories and cultural expressions to be shared across linguistic and national borders.
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Education and Awareness: Animation is an essential tool in education and public health, simplifying complex ideas and delivering vital information in an accessible and engaging manner.
International Animation Day ultimately recognizes the countless artists, scientists, and technicians who continually push the boundaries of this dynamic art form, inspiring new generations of creators.
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