**25th Animated Film Festival Set to Enliven Limassol's Koilani Village**
The picturesque village of Koilani in the Limassol district is gearing up to host the 25th edition of Animafest, an esteemed animated film festival, from August 7 to 9. This year marks a significant milestone for the festival, which has established itself as one of the longest-running animation events in southern Europe since its inception in 2002.
Animafest promises a vibrant agenda filled with screenings, workshops, exhibitions, and performances, all designed to celebrate the art of animation. The festival will feature a new location and a fresh festival poster designed by renowned German animation filmmaker Andreas Hykade. His artwork, characterized by deep blue and fiery orange hues, captures the spirit of this anniversary edition.
The festival will showcase an international competition featuring 30 films from 17 countries, selected from a vast pool of submissions worldwide. In addition, the International Competition for Young Audience will present 15 films from seven countries, with the winning film determined by juries composed of children and teenagers. This initiative aims to engage younger audiences and encourage their appreciation of animated storytelling.
A notable aspect of this year’s festival is the inclusion of seven Cypriot animated films in the national competition, highlighting local talent and creativity. In collaboration with the Association of Graphic Designers and Illustrators, local artists will also contribute to a collective artwork, designing posters and animated visuals for the Fairy Tale Museum in Koilani.
In a bid to expand its offerings, Animafest will introduce a second stage dedicated to experimental films and audiovisual performances by emerging artists from both Cyprus and abroad. This new addition aims to provide a platform for innovative and avant-garde expressions within the animation genre.
Workshops are a key component of the festival, with a hands-on animation workshop scheduled for August 6, the day before the official opening. This workshop, designed for children and families, will take place at the Environmental Centre in Koilani, where participants will explore traditional handmade animation techniques under the guidance of professional animators and educators.
Additionally, a two-day workshop focused on collecting oral histories will be led by Dr. Nicoletta Demetriou, an ethnomusicologist and Director of the Cyprus Music Archive. This workshop will run from August 6 to 8, enriching the festival experience with cultural insights.
Music will also play a vital role in the festival, with five live concerts featuring outstanding Cypriot bands and solo musicians scheduled to entertain attendees during the evenings.
Festival-goers can purchase a three-day festival pass for €10, providing access to a diverse array of events that celebrate the art of animation. The full schedule and additional details can be found on the festival's official website, www.animafest.com.cy.
As the festival approaches, excitement builds in Koilani village, where the community looks forward to welcoming visitors and celebrating 25 years of animated storytelling. Animafest not only serves as a platform for showcasing animation but also fosters a sense of community and cultural exchange, making it a highlight of the summer calendar in Cyprus.