Animest 2025, celebrating its 20th edition, will take place from October 3 to October 12, 2025, across several treasured cultural venues in Bucharest, such as Cinema Elvira Popescu, Cinema Muzeul Țăranului Român, Sala Luceafărul, Amzei Creative Corner, Instituto Cervantes, and ARTHUB.
This autumn, animation enthusiasts, filmmakers, and curious visitors will find a rich program featuring feature films, short films, workshops, and industry meetings — all celebrating the art and innovation of animation.
Animest transforms the city into a vibrant hub of creativity with screenings at iconic venues such as Cinema Elvira Popescu and The Ark. Attendees can explore a diverse selection of animations from around the world, ranging from critically acclaimed feature films to experimental shorts, highlighting the global trends and emerging voices in animation.
Highlights of Animest 2025 include:
- International Competition Program presents the best animated films of the year, judged by an esteemed international jury.
- Special retrospectives dedicated to animation pioneers, as well as thematic screenings that explore contemporary social issues through animation.
- Workshops and masterclasses led by award-winning animators and industry professionals covering techniques such as stop motion, 2D, and digital animation.
- Events for families and children, including interactive screenings and creative labs to inspire the next generation of animators.
- An industry forum facilitating networking between Romanian and international professionals, opening doors to collaborations and creative exchange.
Visitors can complement their festival experience by exploring Bucharest’s cafés, bookshops, and cultural spaces nearby screening locations, discovering the city’s lively atmosphere, immersed in art and innovation.
Whether you’re an animation aficionado or simply curious about this dynamic art form, Animest 2025 offers an unmissable cultural celebration in the heart of Bucharest this October.
ANIMEST 2025 – PROGRAM
Here are the program highlights.
Day 1 – October 3 (Friday)
- Opening Night Gala presenting the opening film “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain.”
- Introduction to the festival with guests and special events.
- Screenings at Cinema Elvira Popescu.
Day 2 – October 4 (Saturday)
- International Competition films screening in various categories.
- Workshops and masterclasses start, focusing on animation techniques.
- Special screenings of retrospectives and thematic programs.
Day 3 – October 5 (Sunday)
- Minimest program for children at Cinema Muzeul Țăranului Român starting from 10:30 AM.
- Family-friendly animated films and interactive activities.
- Screenings of Romanian animation shorts in competition.
Day 4 – October 6 (Monday)
- Feature film presentations, including premieres.
- Panel discussions and Q&A with animators and directors.
- Accessible screenings to open animation to a broader audience.
Day 5 – October 7 (Tuesday)
- Japanese Culture Day features anime screenings, including “The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes” by Tomohisa Taguchi.
- Animation workshops tailored for professionals and students.
- Industry meetings at ARTHUB.
Day 6 – October 8 (Wednesday)
- Erotic animation program “Erotica Vol. 3.”
- Music-themed animation screenings.
- Late-night Creepy Animation Night for horror animation fans.
Day 7 – October 9 (Thursday)
- Competitions continue for short and student films.
- Special event celebrating the legacy of Gopo, marking 100 years.
- Film market presentations and networking sessions.
Day 8 – October 10 (Friday)
- Screening of the Annecy-winning “Chicken for Linda” as a highlight.
- Young animators showcase and experimental film screenings.
- Industry forum sessions focusing on Romanian animation production.
Day 9 – October 11 (Saturday)
- Animation concerts like Animusic Night.
- Specialised workshops in stop-motion and digital effects.
- Closing competition film rounds.
Day 10 – October 12 (Sunday)
- Final awards ceremony with international jury presentation.
- Final screenings and farewells.
- Afterparty and festival closing celebrations.
Throughout the festival, many events are accessible online, allowing a broader audience to join virtually via online.animest.ro. Tickets include Full Trip Passes for all screenings and Ten Stop Passes for selected entries, with special pricing and bundled offers.
