Literary adaptations will be the main theme of this year’s National Animation Celebration, which returns for its 11th edition between 14–16 November. More than 500 venues have joined the event, offering free screenings and activities across Hungary and abroad, the organizers announced in a statement.
Unlike most festivals, the Animation Celebration has no single central venue. Instead, programmes will be hosted by cultural centres, libraries, schools, kindergartens, cinemas, and other community spaces, allowing each location to shape the event with its own local flavour.
Thousands of screenings and hundreds of accompanying programmes will be held during the three-day festival. Families can enjoy puppet shows, drawing contests, children’s concerts, folk dance performances, and other cultural events, enriching the experience for visitors of all ages.
Each year, the festival highlights leading figures in Hungarian animation, showcases new productions from domestic studios, and presents works by art university students. Thanks to international festival selections, audiences will also have the chance to see some of the best recent short animated films from Hungary and around the world.
This year’s focus on literary adaptations will bring a selection of animated films inspired by classic and contemporary works of literature, retelling beloved stories through the medium of animation. Local organizers have full freedom to curate their own screening programmes, ensuring a diverse and creative lineup.
The festival’s patron is Éva Rubovszky, widow of the late animation legend Marcell Jankovics, while the UNESCO Hungarian National Commission serves as official sponsor.
A long-standing highlight of the festival is the presentation of the Master of Hungarian Children’s Culture Award, honouring creators who have made exceptional contributions to children’s culture. The winner is chosen by representatives of participating institutions, and the award itself—a Zsolnay porcelain statuette of a ‘boy playing with a ball’—is a unique eozin-glazed piece donated by the Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory.
The National Animation Celebration has grown into an event of national significance, with an ever-expanding network of participating towns and institutions. This year, more than 500 Hungarian and international venues will host events celebrating animation and storytelling.
The full programme, including venues and schedules, is available at www.rajzfilmunnep.hu.
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