The International Animation Festival, based at Cinema City in Norwich, promises to be the biggest and best yet with a programme that spans the birth of the art form to the latest techniques and styles. As the international competition showcases the best new animation from around the world, the regional strand highlights the creative talent to be found in the Eastern counties. But is Norwich ready for a festival of works with such international acclaim? BBCi's Martin Barber spoke to festival director Rose Hanna. What can we expect from this year's programme? Our festival covers more than half a century of animation. From the dawn of the art form to the latest techniques and styles. So, as well as being entertained, by default you see the amazing range of different kinds of animation there are and how the art of it has developed over time. 
Bookashkis by Mikhail Aldashin |
This is particularly valuable to people studying or working in moving image, but at the same time, if you walked in knowing nothing about it you would still come away having been thoroughly entertained. Why hold the festival? Animation is a fantastic art form which deserves to be celebrated! Day to day, we only really have access to mainstream films which can be quite formulaic and predictable. The mainstream is also dominated by children's animated films. As an animation lover I enjoy them immensely but I also want to see the wealth of other animated films out there. Festivals provide an opportunity to see all these gems and meet the people who made them. On top of this, the festival also brings together filmmakers from all over the world to Norwich. It brings industry people looking for new talent into contact with recent graduates. It's also a great opportunity for those interested or working in the field to discuss issues, get advice and network. The festival is about creating an international platform for all the exciting things going on here. 
Wrong Turn by Campbell McAllister (detail) |
There is a growing animation scene in Norwich which is producing high calibre work which I am really proud to have in the programme. All these things a festival does are important, and nothing else out there seems to serve the same purpose. Can anybody enjoy the festival, or is it just for those working in the animation industry? It's aimed at anyone who enjoys art, film, music, pop culture, cartoons, creativity and HAVING FUN! It's also aimed at aspiring animators and film makers, creative companies and people studying moving image in some form or another, whether that's an MA in animation or GCSE media studies. A lot of the names and films in the programme will be completely new to people, but this is not a barrier to enjoyment! Just for example, if you love the Simpsons, Gorillaz or a good drama, you will love the competition programmes. If you love Southpark and skateboarding you will love the Don Herzfeldt retrospective. If you want to make it in the world of animation or interactivity you will get a lot from the three seminars in the programme. If you loved Roobarb & Custard, you will get the chance to meet its maker, legendary animator Bob Godfrey at the awards ceremony. I really encourage anyone to go and give it a try. What are the festival highlights? I'd say the competition programmes as they showcase the best animation in the world. Oscar nominee, Don Herzfeldt's programme is the funniest thing you will ever see, I guarantee it! When I first saw his film Rejected the man next to me literally cried with laughter. Read more about the Festival seminars and career opportunities in animation » | 
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