Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

The 5th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival has started in Baku, bringing together the best animation films from different parts of the world, Azernews reports.

Since 2018, the animation festival draws attention to animation art and stimulates its development in Azerbaijan.

Around 230 films from 50 countries have been submitted to the festival.

The selection committee accepted 76 films from 29 countries into the competition program. These films are competing in one local and six international categories.

Every year ANIMAFILM festival covers issues of major importance to the global community and this year is no exception.

As the animation festival is dedicated to "Climate Change", all revenue obtained from ticket sales will be donated to the Karabakh Revival Fund in order to contribute to the restoration of the ecological balance in Azerbaijani territories liberated from Armenian occupation.

The opening ceremony of the festival was held at the Nizami Cinema Center on September 7.

The ceremony started with a wonderful live performance. Honored Artist Togrul Asadullayev and his folk instrumental ensemble totally captivated the audience.

Next, First Deputy Culture Minister Elnur Aliyev addressed the event.

In his speech, Elnur Aliyev spoke about the development of cinema in the country and the measures taken in this direction.

Elnur Aliyev stressed that animation films play a big role in the overall strategy for supporting cinema. He underlined that the animation unites both children and adults.

On the same day, the festival guests enjoyed films selected for the program.

Aside from the screenings, workshops, and master classes are organized with the participation of local and foreign professionals.

The 5th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival will run until September 11.

Partners of the festival this year include the Azerbaijani Culture Ministry, the Azerbaijani Union of Film-makers, the Karabakh Revival Fund, the Culture Network House Association, the Azerbaijani Creative Industries Federation, Shahmaran Metaceramica, Dynamic Box Studio, Nizami Cinema Center, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the French embassy in Azerbaijan and French Institute in Azerbaijan, the embassy of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan, the embassy of Japan in Azerbaijan and the Japan Foundation, Lenovo, Tripsome, Ritual Mobil Theater Laboratory, Cafino Coffee & Wine, Nemi Hotel Baku, Unibroad, Choche.az, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, TVPaint Développement.

BAKU magazine and Nargis magazine are media partners of the event.

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