Ottawa International Animation Festival: That’s More Than All Folks!
John Devenish, Ottawa Life Magazine
Be prepared to welcome a few thousand of the animation universe’s annual, and some new, honorary Ottawans as they descend upon the city – it’s a friendly invasion. Last year’s attendee numbers were impressive and you can bet the numbers this fall will definitely be as impressive and, no doubt, exceedingly so! The total count last year was well over 27,000 with almost 200 delegates and special guests. The screening venues will host more than 90 presentations with many special events at venues across the city. The tickets are reasonable, coming in around the average cost for a mainstream flick at your favourite mondo movie-plex. If you absolutely have to see everything (and why would you not?) you can opt for the festival’s day, weekend and full passes and a very nifty ‘ticket six pack’.
You can also catch the excitement of the festival by attending the outreach events presented by the OIAF. This year the events include: The Toon Apprentice high school lecture series; An animation celebration with free screenings for elementary classes; An animation school fair; free – yes free! – NFB workshops for families and teens; A Toon Appretice website and the Adobe Toon Apprentice Pass. Excellent draws for everyone.
Full article on Ottawa Life Magazine’s website: Ottawa International Animation Festival: That’s More Than All Folks!
Cartoons and beyond: Festival features everything from edgy animated rooftop sex to short films from Disney and Pixar
Steven Mazey, The Ottawa Citizen
Anyone who thinks that animation is an art form strictly for children should have a look at Roof Sex, a short, sharp, cheekily amusing American film in which two livingroom chairs have a wild time together on an apartment building rooftop, without using upholstery covers for protection.
It’s just one of dozens of edgy pieces among the more than 140 films from around the world that will be on Ottawa screens as part of the Ottawa International Animation Festival. The annual festival opens today and runs to Oct. 24, at venues that include the ByTowne Cinema and the National Gallery of Canada.
The festival includes family and children-oriented screenings, including short films from Disney, Pixar and Ottawa’s Amberwood Entertainment, but festivalgoers will also see a wide range of films that are decidedly not recommended for children — films with serious themes that include mental illness and abusive fathers.
Full story: Cartoons and beyond
Ottawa International Animation Festival Starts Today
The Ottawa International Animation Festival’s (OIAF) opening ceremonies is scheduled to take place today at 9:15 p.m. (ByTowne Cinema), with a special screening of The Illusionist (France) by Sylvain Chomet at 7 p.m. (ByTowne Cinema). The opening ceremonies will be followed with a presentation of the first of five Short Competitions taking place during the festival in addition to two competitions for films and TV shows made for kids.
OIAF attendees also have a chance to meet with animation filmmakers from around the world during the “Meet the Filmmakers” breakfast to take place at the Arts Court studio from Thursday, October 21 to Sunday, October 24 at 9 a.m.
OIAF 2010 features the best new animated movies, short films, and music videos from Canada and around the world, and a guest list to match. This year’s extravaganza of screenings, workshops and special events are taking place at venues such as Bytowne, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Arts Court, and Empire Theatres – Rideau Centre.
Selected from this year’s 2091 entries, the Official Competition screenings collect 90 of the top, new animated works. Attendees of the festival get a chance to view Oscar-winning films such as, Logorama, a highly entertaining film which illustrates everyone and everything as advertising logos.
This year, the “Feature Competition” includes: The Illusionist (France) by Sylvain Chomet, a follow-up to Chomet’s Oscar-nominated film, The Triplets of Belleville; Goodbye Mister Christie (Canadian Premiere) by Phil Mulloy (United Kingdom); One Piece Film Strong World (Canadian Premiere) by Munehisa Sakai (Japan); Gravity Was Everywhere Back Then (Canadian Premiere) by Brent Green (U.S.A.); and Midori-Ko (World Premiere) by Keita Kurosaka (Japan).
There are also many great films that are not in competition but are being shown through the OIAF’s “Out-of-Competition” Showcase. Audiences have a chance to view films such as the National Film Board of Canada’s award-winning Lipsett Diaries by Theodore Ushev; Pixar’s acclaimed new short, Day and Night; and the ever-popular Walt Disney’s latest short, Tick Tock Tale.
Also this year, the OIAF is paying homage to Japanese animation with a four-part program showcasing independent filmmakers, including the godfather of Anime, Osamu Tezuka.
The following are the other highlights of the OIAF 2010 “Special Screenings”:
- “Furniture of My Mind,” an engaging look at our relationship with our furniture;
- “Let’s Go Crazy,” a selection of films and new independent shorts about mental health;
- “XX in Animation: Taking a Peek at Work by Women,” a collection of films by women, about women;
- “Winnipeg DIY Animation: Improvised Art Explosions or Cheap Skates,” focuses on Winnipeg’s overlooked animators, those who chose to improvise and create animation on the cheap rather than get left behind;
- “The Inappropriate for Children Show,” a midnight movie collection of wild and unsettling cartoons originally meant for kids, but almost too strange for adults;
- “Solve Et Coagula: Surrealism and Magic Realism in Czech Animation,” a unique collection of films by Czech animators who infuse personal style, political and social beliefs into their work;
- “Under the Sun: BravoFACT! at 15,” features highlights from Bravo!FACT’s animation oeuvre, from breakout hits like the Oscar®-nominated I Met The Walrus through mobile phone delights like Theodore Ushev’s, Sou.
OIAF 2010 Family Activities
The OIAF is offering an Animation School Fair for anyone interested in a career in animation on Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24 at the Arts Court. Teens are FREE on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can also attend a FREE hands-on workshop presented by the National Film Board of Canada, “Introduction to Animation.” Teens must obtain an Adobe Toon Apprentice pass in advance by contacting the OIAF before October 14 or they can pick up a pass in-person at the OIAF box office on October 18. Pre-registration is required for the workshop by calling: (613) 232-8769.
Bring your kids to the “Short Films for Kids” competition (October 23 and 24), the “TV for Kids” competition (October 21 and 23), and the FREE hands-on workshop at the Arts Court on October 24. Pre-registration is required by calling: (613) 232-8769.
Plus, get a free sneak peak of the new Teletoon series, Skatoony, and participate in an interactive activity, “Get Your Skatoony Game On,” on Sunday, October 24 at the Arts Court.
Tickets to the festival are $12 (adults) and $7 (children) at the door. You can also purchase a flexible animation six-pack (6 tickets at the cost of 5 tickets) to avoid the line-ups.
For more information or a complete list of films, schedules, special screenings, workshops, and events at this year’s festival, please visit the OIAF website at: www.animationfestival.ca or call: (613) 232-8769.
About the Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is one of the world’s leading animation events providing screenings, exhibits, workshops and entertainment since 1976. OIAF is an annual five-day event bringing art and industry together in a vibrant hub. More than 27,000 film buffs, art lovers, producers, and cartoon fans are expected to attend the OIAF, the largest animation event in North America. OIAF 2010 is taking place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada from October 20 to 24.
Local animation festival sees surge in new visitors
Katie Gowrie, Centretown News
A recent change in venue has brought more locals to Ottawa’s International Animation Festival, a trend that’s been evident since the 1990s, says Chris Robinson, the OIAF’s artistic director.
Ottawa’s annual International Animation Festival features animated film shorts and full feature films from filmmakers based in Canada and across the globe.
“There’s still a misconception about what animation is,” Neall says, adding that the films they show aren’t simply cartoons but amazing, thought provoking films. “Each one is a work of art.”
Though animation has grown, it’s still a niche art form that brings in a select audience, Robinson says. The OIAF exposes its audience to a different type of animation that’s not always seen on TV.
He says his goal over the last decade has been to change the perception of animation and make others realize it’s for everybody.
Full story available on the Centretown News website: Local animation festival sees surge in new visitors
Fifth-graders make the cut at international film festival
Kate Hammer, Globe and Mail
Image: Still from the movie, “The Bright, the Bad and the Ugly”
For proof of what a group of preteens can accomplish over two months of lunch breaks with the help of some popsicle sticks, a few light bulbs and a camera, see this year’s Ottawa International Animation Festival.
One official selection, a stop-motion short film called The Bright, the Bad and the Ugly was written, shot and directed by a Grade 5 class at Grosvenor Wentworth Park School in Halifax. Their tale of the town of Squander, a tumbleweed-infested homestead populated by energy-wasting light bulbs, beat out more than 70 other entries from across the globe to win one of five spots in the high-school category.
Chris Robinson, the festival’s artistic director, said they are the only grade-school class to ever win a spot in that category.
Full story on the Globe and Mail website: Fifth-graders make the cut at international film festival
Illusionist, New Disney Short to Headline at Ottawa
Thomas J. McLean, Animation Magazine
Sylvain Chomet’s new feature The Illusionist and the new Disney short film Tic Tock Tale are among the films set to screen at this year’s Ottawa International Animation Festival.
The festival, set for Oct. 20-24 in the Canadian capital city, will screen 90 film selected from more than 2,000 entries in a number of categories. The fest also will screen 56 international films out of competition.
Other highlights include Norway’s award-winning Angry Man, directed by Anita Killi; Pixar’s acclaimed short, Day and Night; Oscar-winner Logorama; German film Love and Theft from three-time Ottawa Grand Prix winner Andreas Hykade; and an episode from HBO’s The Ricky Gervais Show.
Full article: Illusionist, New Disney Short to Headline at Ottawa
Animation Hopefuls Pitch Their Ideas to Top TV Producers
By Rick DeMott, AWN News
The Ottawa International Animation Festival
Ottawa, Ontario (July 21, 2010)–Television producers will get the chance to make a name for themselves in the world of animation at this year’s TAC, the Ottawa International Animation Festival’s industry conference. TAC is hosting Pitch THIS!, an event that gives animation delegates an opportunity to learn what television executives are looking for in a new animated series. Pitch THIS! is taking place on October 20 and 21, 2010 at the world-famous, Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Canada. More than 350 animation producers, buyers, financiers and industry experts are expected to attend.
“This year, Pitch THIS! is being presented by Portfolio Entertainment Inc. as part of the Ottawa International Animation Festival,” said TAC Director Azarin Sohrabkhani. “It is the only pitching event in North America that serves as a stepping stool for animation hopefuls looking to boost their careers. So it really is an excellent opportunity for creators to get noticed and to showcase their creative talents for a potential TV series.”
On October 21, 2010, two creators will have five minutes to pitch their project ideas to a panel of international broadcasters. Following the pitches, representatives from major television networks will provide their insight on the animation projects. The representatives will then assess the projects based on their creative and financial elements as well as their marketability and appeal to each broadcaster.
“Along with this invaluable feedback, each participating producer also gains the type of industry exposure that only can lead to future success,” added Sohrabkhani.
The winners of In Toon With Tweens presented by Pitch THIS! sponsor Portfolio Entertainment Inc., are also going to be announced during the event. In Toon With Tweens is an animation contest directed at kids eight to 12 years old, designed to encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking from the new voices of the global animation community. A first prize of $7,500 CDN will be awarded and a second prize of $2,500 CDN will be given to the runner up.
In order to be considered for Pitch THIS! producers must submit their proposals for an original adult or children’s animation series, including a “project bible,” sample episode synopsis, concept art, and biographies of the key creative team.
Submissions should be sent by e-mail to: tac@animationfestival.ca or by regular mail to: TAC Pitch THIS!, 2 Daly Avenue, Suite 120, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6E2. No more than two submissions per production company will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is: September 1, 2010. For additional information on Pitch THIS!, TAC, and the Ottawa International Animation Festival, please call: (613) 232-8769 or visit: www.animationfestival.ca.
About TAC
TAC (Television Animation Conference) is Canada’s only animation business forum designed for professionals in content creation, development, production, distribution and marketing. TAC brings together key players in North America and international markets and provides a forum for active networking, practical information exchange and trade in a comfortable and intimate environment. TAC 2010 will be held October 20 and 21 at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario. For more information about TAC, please visit: www.animationfestival.ca.
About Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is one of the world’s leading animation events providing first-class screenings, exhibits, workshops and entertainment since 1976. The annual five-day event brings art, industry and inspiration together in a vibrant setting. As the largest event in North America, the OIAF attracts more than 27,000 film buffs, art lovers, filmmakers, and cartoon fans from around the world. OIAF 2010 will be held from October 20 to 24 at various venues in Ottawa, Ontario. For more information and to experience OIAF on-line, please visit www.animationfestival.ca.
About Portfolio Entertainment Inc.
Founded in 1991, Portfolio Entertainment is one of Canada’s leading independent producers and international distributors of award-winning television programs for kids, tweens, teens, and adults. Co-Founders Lisa Olfman and Joy Rosen’s commitment to creative excellence and solid domestic and international relationships have propelled their programs onto the world’s most prestigious television networks. The partners have won numerous television industry awards internationally and they consistently rank in Profit Magazine’s W100 list of Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs. Portfolio Entertainment’s newest series is, The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That!, based on Dr. Seuss’ iconic Cat character. For more information, please visit: www.portfolioentertainment.com.
Music video showcased at animation festival
Veronica Quach | Centretown News
A sold-out ByTowne Cinema screened local animator David Cooper’s music video alongside other films at the Ottawa International Animation Festival last night.
His video was showcased alongside other films for the commissioned animated competition, including promotional work, music videos and adult television animation.
“This festival carries a lot of weight with animation industry people,” he says. “It can only help to have a film in competition here.”
The festival chose 99 films to compete out of 2,185 entries this year.
Full story from Centretown News: Music video showcased at animation festival
Ottawa festival winners announced
Mike Valiquette | CanadianAnimationResources.ca
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) comes to an end with the highly anticipated closing ceremonies held this evening at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau. Organizers announced the winners of the official competition during the ceremonies.
This year’s event, held October 14-18, was a tremendous success with packed screenings, sold out workshops, high profile networking events such as the Television Animation Conference and the Recruiting Fair. The Festival is a major international film event that attracts 1500 industry pass holders from across Canada and around the world with a total attendance of over 25,000. Although the final numbers are not officially in, there are strong indications that this year’s Festival reached the highest attendance to date.
The 2009 international jury for Short Program, Student and Commissioned Films include: Amid Amidi (USA), Jim Blashfield (USA) and Suzan Pitt (USA). The international jury for Feature Film Competition include: Thomas Meyer-Hermann (Germany), Christa Moesker (Netherlands) and Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre (Canada).
The Festival has a special jury made up of local kids to select the Best Short Animation Made for Children and the Best Television Animation Made for Children. This year’s kids jury included: Tallie Doyle, Tegwyn Hughes, Jamie McCormick, Felipe Bemfica, Isabelle Birchall, Aditya Mohan, Paris Mullin, Quinn Murphy and Eric Ding.
Full story: Ottawa festival winners announced
Animation fest wraps up 33rd year
TRACEY TONG | METRO OTTAWA
Mary and Max, directed by Australia’s Adam Elliot, took home the grand prize for best animated feature at the Ottawa International Animation Festival last night.
Kaasündinud Kohustused (Inherent Obligations) by Rao Heidmets of Estonia took home the grand prize for best independent short animation.
The 33rd annual festival featured 93 short films and seven features in competition and 58 in the international showcase, attracting a record 27,000 people, said festival spokeswoman Lindsay Wellwood. The festival had three local entries, including Nick Cross and Dave Cooper, who did a video for Danko Jones called King of Magazines, and Canterbury High School student Benjamin Woodyard.
Source: Metro Ottawa online: Animation fest wraps up 33rd year
