ASIFA East

11/09/2024

Opportunity: Fast Track at TAC (Sept. 25-26) at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF)

Registration is now open. Participants can sign up for meetings with four executives for speed-pitching at Fast Track: Classic. Registration info can be found in the Link below.

Fast Track features speed-pitching sessions where animation content creators are matched with leading development executives representing established production and distributing companies, to pitch up to two projects.

This year, TAC offers a new stream - Fast Track: Pitch Development - where creators can meet with one experienced executive to build connections, receive project feedback, and ask for industry advice.

Subsidized TAC Passes:
Given the importance of intersectional narrative-building and nuanced representation in the industry, OIAF is offering subsidized passes and are encouraging creators who identify as part of equity-deserving groups to attend TAC and pitch their projects.

Fast Track Sept 25 – 26, 2024 Speed-pitching sessions for animation content creators. Available exclusively to TAC Pass holders. Avoid disappointment! Complete the ‘Fast Track: Pre-Screening Form’ – available on the Visitor Portal by September 8, 2024 to be ready to book your meetings .....

04/09/2024

Family - The Faith Hubley Centennial at MoMA, Sept 04-Oct 31

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) presents an ambitious 14-program retrospective of the shorts and features of Hubley (1924-2001). This commemorative program will feature not just Faith’s shorts and features, but also work directed by her family members, who continue to uphold her legacy. The majority of these works will be presented at MoMA from Sept 04 - Oct 31 in a program that celebrates an artist recognized for being one of the most important figures of independent animation.

Film series. Sep 4–Oct 31, 2024. In commemoration of the creative life of the Oscar-winning animator Faith Hubley (1924–2001), the Museum presents an ambitious 14-program retrospective of the filmmaker’s shorts and features. This trailblazing independent artist’s work was rooted in a passion...

02/09/2024

International Animation Day Anijam Project

ASIFA Central member Jim Middleton is organizing a poster Anijam for International Animation Day, based off of ASIFA-East member Bill Plympton’s IAD poster. The deadline for submitting a contribution is October 01, and all are welcome!

To learn more, go to this page on Jim’s website: https://animatingapothecary.blogspot.com/2024/07/post-684-asifa-central-july-newsletter.html

International Animation Day is October 28.

30/08/2024

Animated Films at MoMI, 20% Discount for ASIFA-East Members.

Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) has released their schedule of Animated Film screenings. ASIFA-East members, keep an eye on your Inboxes. MoMI is offering members a 20% discount. You can find the code in your email.

For the month of September, they will be showing:

A SILENT VOICE
Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 at 1:00 p.m. each day
Dir. Naoko Yamad

KARAGIOZIS: THE MOVIE
Sunday, September 15, 3:00 p.m.
Dirs. Akis Karras, Christos Leivaditis, Ekaterini Papageorgiou. 2022. 74 mins.

ROBOT DREAMS
September 27–October 4
Dir. Pablo Berger. 2023, 103 mins. Spain/France

Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, Queens, NY
More info found here: https://movingimage.org/series/world-of-animation/

28/08/2024

Don Hertzfeldt at Paris Theater

Oscar-nominated filmmaker/animator don hertzfeldt will be appearing in NYC this weekend. The The Paris Theater - NYC has included two screenings of “Me”, Don’s new animated short, in their Big and Loud Program. “Me” has been described as a 22-minute musical odyssey about trauma, technology, and the retreat of humanity into itself. Each screening will be respectively followed by Don’s 2012 feature “It’s Such A Beautiful Day”, and his acclaimed series “World Of Tomorrow.” Q&A’s with Don will follow both screenings (info below). Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paristheaternyc.com/series/big-loud-2024/

Aug 30
6:45 pm - “Me”, followed by “It’s Such A Beautiful Day”
Q&A with Don Hertzfeldt, moderated by film critic & author Simon Abrams

Aug 31
3:20pm - “Me”, followed by “World of Tomorrow”
Q&A with Don Hertzfeldt, moderated by Ari Aster (Midsommar)

Sept 01
1:45pm - Don Hertzeldt will introduce a screening of “Forbidden Planet”

The Paris Theater
4 W 58th st, New York, NY 10019

20/08/2024

Pictoplasma NYC at SVA Theatre Sept 19-20

PictoplasmaNYC is celebrating its 10th Anniversary at SVA Theatre. The internationally recognized conference brings what’s up and coming in Contemporary Character Design and Art, with artist talks, animation screenings, networking events, portfolio reviews and industry sessions!

The conference will be taking place on Sept 19-20 at SVA Theatre.

Check out https://conference.pictoplasma.com for registration and schedule information. Tickets are also available for the new livestream option.

20/08/2024

26/07/2024

WIA NYC Animation Festival, with ASIFA-East Discount

Members, check your inboxes. Coming up next month is the Women in Animation New York Chapter’s first ever Animation Festival. We can look forward to what promises to be an exciting celebration of tri-state animators, as well as a new East Coast animation event for which to look forward.

ASIFA-East members, check your inboxes for an email with a 20% Discount code on tickets. The code can be applied on the Eventbrite page below.

The WIA NYC Animation Festival will take place:
Saturday Augutst 17
6:30-8PM
SVA Theatre
333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011

Join us at the WIA (Women in Animation) NYC Animation Film Festival to celebrate and showcase the incredible talent of tri-state animators!

26/07/2024

WIA NYC Animation Festival, with ASIFA-East Discount

Members, check your inboxes. Coming up next month is the Women In Animation (WIA) NYC chapter’s first ever Animation Festival. We can look forward to what promises to be an exciting celebration of tri-state animators, as well as a new East Coast animation event for which to look forward.

ASIFA-East members, check your inboxes for an email with a 20% Discount code on tickets. The code can be applied on the Eventbrite page (check out Link In Bio).

The WIA NYC Animation Festival will take place:
Saturday Augutst 17
6:30-8PM
SVA Theatre
333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011

15/07/2024

Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival Final Deadline

The Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival (SEAF), located in Baltimore, MD, is currently taking submissions for their upcoming edition in October. Founded in 2012 by Phil Davis, the festival’s stated mission is to bring unique voices in international and independent animation to Baltimore audiences. Independent and Student animators are encouraged to submit their work. While strictly a shorts festival, SEAF is open to films made in any/all forms of animation.

SEAF’s Final Deadline for Submissions is July 26, 2024.
Standard Fee $30; Student Fee $20

The next festival is set to take place in Baltimore on October 18-20, 2024.

Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival (SEAF) celebrates the world’s most boundary-pushing, mind-blowing animation. This annual festival is focused on supporting...

12/07/2024

Patrick Smith’s New Animated Short “Broken”

ASIFA-East member and festival winner, Patrick smith, has dropped a new animated short, Broken on YouTube. The short features two sets of glass characters, one group broken, and the other intact. But the intact characters convey a twisted, creepy presence. Featuring music composed by Leon Riskin, who also composed the score for the award-winning “Pour 585” (2019). Be sure to also subscribe to Patrick Smith’s YouTube channel.

A dark spirit discovers a healing process that will make him whole.In this animated short film, Brittle glass characters are divided into two sides: the brok...

10/07/2024

Amy Kravitz Interview

ASIFA-East member Amy Kravitz is an animation artist, filmmaker and instructor. While her reputation as an inspiring professor at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has at times eclipsed her filmography, her animation art is no less impressive, not to mention distinctive. Her films are known for their abstract monochrome imagery, rendered with pencil, graphite, and/or ink on paper. Interviewed by Keltie Duncan, Amy takes us through each of her films, up to her most recent “The Hour Coat” (2022). She also discusses the long gaps between her films, needing to balance work and personal responsibilities.

You can see the whole interview in the link below. You can also view Amy Kravitz’s filmography on her Vimeo page.

“Many films are ‘about’ a topic, and have a message to deliver, or a story to tell. My films don’t embrace that approach. My intention is to create a non-verbal, visceral experience – an experience that transcends words. You have to understand the experience with your body, rather than wit...

08/07/2024

Nancy Beiman Interview

Renowned animator/director/author (and friend to ASIFA-East) Nancy Beiman recently sat down for a 3-part interview with The Cartoonerific Podcast. As an animator, Nancy Beiman has worked for Disney, Warner Bros, Bill Melendez and many other studios. Hosted by Brian Mitchell, Nancy looks back on her childhood in New Jersey, her influences and making her way into CalArts. After many years on the West Coast, Nancy relocated back to the East Coast to teach at Rochester Institute of Technology, and later to Toronto to teach at Sheridan College’s animation department. During this time, Nancy not only directed her own films, she also authored two books on character animation performance and storyboarding respectively. Both books are highly recommended.

Both Interview links can be found here:

Cartoonerific Host Brian Mitchell chats with Master Character Animator Nancy Beiman, about her childhood in New Jersey, discovering cartoons, learning about her influences and finding her way into CalArts and then landing a job in the industry and...

03/07/2024

Howard Beckerman (1940-2024): In Remembrance

ASIFA-East mourns the passing of revered animator, writer, historian and teacher, Howard Beckerman. Not only was Howard highly regarded as a hand-drawn animator and for his knowledge of animation history, he was also well known for his kindness, humor, and warm personality.

Over a nearly seventy-five year career, Howard was part of New York City’s animation scene and witnessed its shifts and changes, absorbing information he would eventually pass on to future generations of animators. Howard animated for studios such as UPA and Terrytoons, and founded (with his wife, Iris) his own animation studio. In the 1970s, Howard moved into teaching animation in between freelance jobs. After helping to build a program at The New School, Howard taught at many other schools, eventually becoming a fixture at School of Visual Arts for forty years.

Robby Gilbert has penned a heartfelt remembrance of Howard for ASIFA-East (Link in Bio). Howard was an active member of ASIFA-East for many years, once acting as the organization’s International liaison. And despite being known as “Dean of New York Animation”, Howard remained ever humble. Between the classes he taught and the organizations he took part of, many who knew him are taking to social media to post tributes and remembrances. If you have a memory or anecdote of Howard Beckerman, please feel free to share.

Thank you, Howard.

Animator, father, devoted husband and partner, historian, writer, and friend, Howard Beckerman touched the lives of so many for so long that no words can encapsulate the love felt for him as news of his passing travels throughout the animation community and the world. Howard Beckerman may not be a h...

26/06/2024

Remembering Dick Rauh

On Oct 09, 2023, Dick Rauh passed away at age 98. Dick was ASIFA-East’s second and longest-serving president, and oversaw the beginning of our long running animation festival. A memorial has been posted on the ASIFA-East site, featuring loving tributes from Howard Beckerman, Candy Kugel, Linda Simensky, J.J. Sedelmaier and David Ehrlich.

If you knew or met Dick and have a particular memory, please feel free to share in the comments.

This past year, ASIFA–East lost a beloved leader and friend. On October 9, Dick Rauh, oursecond and longest-serving president, died at the age of 98.Our ASIFA–East Animation Festival would not exist without him; Dick loved the festival and, forover two decades, his was the face that presided ove...

24/06/2024

ASIFAC 2024 Animation Festival & Conference, June 28-29.

This week is the 2024 edition of the ASIFAC Festival. Founded in 1957, ASIFAC (ASIFA-South) is the Southeastern U.S. chapter of ASIFA International, based in Atlanta, GA. You might say they are ASIFA-East’s Southeastern siblings. The ASIFAC Festival is their annual animation festival and will take place in and around Kennesaw, GA. The festival, taking place June 28-29, will feature screening blocks of shorts and features, professional development sessions, panels, workshops, exhibition booths, and more. The event will culminate on 06/30 with the VIP Awards Ceremony Party.

Follow the link below for RSVP and more info.

Come get your portfolio reviewed and get a 20 mins tune up! Don't have a portfolio but curious and want to learn about animation? Come chit chat with our industry professional and ask them anything you've always wanted to know about the industry. Preregistration now closed. Walk-in available based o...

21/06/2024

Figure Drawing at Titmouse on Thurs June 27

Come join us for Figure Drawing at one of NYC’s favorite studios, returning next Thursday. Once again, you must RSVP, as space is limited. You may do so using the Eventbrite link found below.

FREE to ASIFA members
$10 to the General Public

Thurs 06/27 at 7:30pm
150 West 30 Street
New York, NY 10001

Free to ASIFA East members and $10 for general admission tickets. Come enjoy life drawing at one of New York's favorite animation studios!

19/06/2024

The 7th Annual Rarebit Animation Festival

Happening tomorrow in South Brooklyn, The 7th Annual Rarebit Animation Festival. Curated by Tom Eaton, this animation festival celebrates animation work created by CUNY students. Admission (via RSVP) is FREE!

Thurs 06/20
6:30pm
Coney Island Library
1901 Mermaid Avenue (near W. 19th St)
Brooklyn, New York 11224

RSVP info can be found in the link below.

June 14, 2024 Kingsborough’s 2024 Rarebit Animation Festival! Kingsborough’s 7th Annual Rarebit Animation Festival is back in person, and is just around the corner! Thurs. June 20th, 6:30pm (Doors 6:15) Upstairs at Coney Island Library, 1901 Mermaid Avenue (near 19th St.) Brooklyn, NY Just a few...

17/06/2024

OIAF Discount available for ASIFA-East members

​​The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), one of the world’s leading animation events, runs from Sept 25 - 29, 2024. Experience the legendary event for yourself, get inspired by innovative animation from around the world, participate in special events, and make new connections in the animation industry. The box office for OIAF goes live on June 19.

ASIFA-East members, check your inbox for an email with the Discount Code. You will receive a $20 association discount off the price of a festival pass (AnimaPass, TAC AnimaPass, or TAC & OIAF 3-Day Pass). Your discount can be applied on the Early Bird rate which ends Jul 23, 2024.

For up-to-date information about festival programming, schedules, and traveling accommodations, visit the OIAF website. To learn more about passes and place an order, head over to the box office.

OIAF 2023 Box Office Passes & Tickets LEARN MORE Valid from Wed. Sept 20 to Sun. Sept 24. This pass includes OIAF screenings and talks, the Animators' Picnic and other parties. Plus, you get an OIAF delegate bag and a free listing in the online Artist Gallery! (Excludes TAC) AnimaPass — $260.....

13/06/2024

Cleos Studio Animation Showcase, Friday June 21, 2024.

Cleos Studios is having an Animation Showcase on June 21st! This captivating exhibit will feature a wide array of production art from their various projects, including character designs, concept art, background paintings, and animation frames. The showcase will also highlight contributions from approximately a dozen talented artists who have collaborated with Cleos over the years.

The event will take place:
Friday June 21st, 6-10PM
39 W 56th St. New York, NY 10019
Fifth Floor (Fancy Penthouse)

As a fundraiser for the studio's upcoming film, each ticket purchase will directly support the creation of original New York-based animation. Guests can enjoy complimentary food and drinks while immersing themselves in an immersive animation experience. So join us for a fun night celebrating the vibrant world of animated storytelling!

Tickets can be purchased here:

This event is an animation experience you won't want to miss! We'll be showcasing the art and elements that comprise animated films from our studio's own productions. Enjoy complimentary food, drinks and music while you transcend into a world of animated magic!

07/06/2024

Asifa International Postcard Exhibition - 2024

If you’re planning to attend Annecy Festival or Animafest Zagreb , be on the lookout for the ASIFA International Postcards swirling around. These postcards feature a variety of artwork submitted by ASIFA’s international membership. They will be distributed at ASIFA events at major festivals throughout the year, starting at partner festivals Zagreb and Annecy. ASIFA will host social events and mixers at both festivals. You can contact your ASIFA representative for more info, and hopefully snag a few postcards. Link below.

ASIFA International members showcase their artwork in the first edition of promotional postcards.

30/05/2024

More photos taken from last week’s Awards.

30/05/2024

54th ASIFA-East Awards Winners

The winners of this year’s ASIFA-East Awards are now available (see link below). Our first Award ceremony with acting president Doug Vitarelli brought a good turnout at MoMI on Thursday night, and ended with an even more lively after-party to celebrate. Festival runners Tristian Goik and Emily Compton were on-hand to pass out the awards. We had more in-person acceptances than we did last year. This year’s Peggy Award for Best In Show went to “Sürgünlik (Exile)” directed by Jeremiah Dickey.

You can see the full list on the website. Thank you to all who made it out to Queens with us. And Congratulations to the winners!

25/05/2024

54th ASIFA-East Awards Photos

Thank you everyone who showed up, we hope you had a great time. Here’s a handful of pics taken last Thursday evening. Winners will be posted soon. Congratulations to all who walked away with an award (both in-person and remote 😉).

(Please DM if you see yourself in these photos and would like to be tagged)

24/05/2024

Figure Drawing at Titmouse, Thurs 05/30

Grab your favorite sketchbook and pencils and head over to Titmouse for an evening of artistic expression. Tickets are required and seating is limited. Be considerate to others and do not RSVP if you do no plan to attend.

Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 PM
150 West 30th Street New York, NY 10001

Free and open to ASIFA East members and Titmouse employees. Come enjoy Life Drawing at one of New York's favorite animation studios!

22/05/2024

Almost there! Hope to see you tomorrow!

The 54th ASIFA-East Animation Festival

Thursday, May 23
The Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY 11106
7pm-10:30pm

Debuting in 1969, the ASIFA-East Animation Festival is one of the longest running festivals of its kind. Our festival is a unique showcase for the most groundbreaking independent and commercial animation being produced in the industry today.

20/05/2024

Dean Lennert interview

Dean Kalman Lennert has been a longtime friend to ASIFA-East. On our website, you will find Doug Vitarelli’s interview with Dean, as he not only recounts his experiences, but also tremendous wisdom. Between his experience as a full time professor at NYU and creating his own animated short films, Dean offers valuable advice such as the importance of maintaining a schedule over “fleeting” influence. You can read much more in the article. Thank you, Dean!

Surrounded by the to***co fields that for decades produced Topstones, one of the world’s greatest ci**rs, is Dean Lennert’s animation studio which for decades has been producing another quality product, the animated film “Dear Anna Olson.”

16/05/2024

Just one week to go before the 54th ASIFA-East Animation Awards! The results are in, and they will be announced in tandem with the awarded filmmakers. Be sure to join us for awards, the screening, and for food and drink afterward. The event takes place at:

Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY 11106
7pm-10:30pm