MDA 2026: Animated Short Films from Asia, the Middle East and America

International Animation Day, celebrated since 2002 at the initiative of ASIFA — the International Association of Animated Film Creators, is a global celebration of the art of animation, celebrated on all continents at the same time. The celebration of the holiday is centered around the date of October 28th. They are distinguished by the international character, the high artistic quality of the presented films and the promotion of the animation genre, as a full-fledged field of film art, which is not limited only to children.

This year the City of Gdynia will also join this global celebration. We invite you to the two-day celebration of the International Animation Day in Gdynia, which will take place on October 27-28 at the Gdynia Film Center.

This year's edition, implemented as part of a new review, will present films from different parts of the world, divided into thematic blocks. The program of shows will include films made in all animation techniques — from time-lapse, cut-out, painted, drawn animations to various types of collages that are a mixture of styles. A special place will be occupied by traditional animation techniques, which are slowly fading into oblivion, especially with such rapid development of AI tools.

The organization of this Global Animation Festival in Gdynia is a confirmation of the wide film program in the city, which for several years has been awarded the title of UNESCO City of Film.

Participation in the event is free. Free tickets to pick up at the GCF box office. ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

PROGRAM 27 October, Tuesday, Gdynia Film Centre

9.00 — 11.00 — block of animated short films from Asia, the Middle East and South America + film lesson on animation

(hosted by: Klaudia Dzierugo, Gdynia Animation Center Trefl)

free admission — registration of school groups by email: info@dzien-animacji.pl

17.00 — MDA 2026: short animations from Asia, the Middle East and South America + film preview

free admission — free tickets to be downloaded at the GCF box office — ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT

19.00 — MDA 2026: short animations from Europe, including from the Annecy, Stuttgart and Animafest festivals + film preview

PROGRAM 28 October, Wednesday, Gdynia Film Centre

9.00 — 11.00 — block of animated short films from Europe, including the Annecy, Stuttgart and Animafest festivals + film lesson on animation

17.00 — MDA 2026: short animations from Asia, the Middle East and South America + film preview

19:00 — MDA 2026: including Annecy, Stuttgart and Animafest festivals + film preview

more information at www.dzien-animacji.pl

The organizer of the International Animation Day event is the Security Brake Cultural Association, organizer of such events as the Days of Film Criticism or the Summer Cinema in Orłowo. Co-organisation of the Gdynia Film Centre.

Review co-financed by the City of Gdynia.