GIRAF 2026 Animation Festival in Canada (Free Submission + Global Screening)
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
GIRAF 2026 is an international festival of independent animation held in Canada, showcasing creative animated films from around the world.
The festival provides participants with the opportunity to present their work to an international audience and industry professionals. Selected films will be screened in Calgary in November 2026 as part of the official program, which includes competitions and awards.
The festival is open to creators worldwide, and submissions are free, making it an accessible opportunity for both emerging and professional animators seeking global exposure.
Program Details
- Submissions are open to films of all styles, lengths, and mediums as long as they are non-commercial.
- Submitted works can be abstract or narrative, hand-drawn or computer-generated, spanning from student projects to leading professional pieces.
- Commercials, explainers, and similar content are not eligible for the festival's programming.
- The festival targets an adult audience; hence, children's films do not fit the event's profile.
Benefits
- Screening of selected animated films as part of the festival program before an international audience.
- Opportunity to promote the artistic work and introduce participating animation creators.
- Possibility to network and build connections with artists, filmmakers, and professionals in the animation field.
- Participation in an international art festival specializing in independent and experimental animation.
- Some selected works may receive awards or recognition during the festival events.
Eligibility criteria
- The festival is open to all nationalities worldwide.
- Applications are accepted from students, professionals, and independent filmmakers.
- The submitted work must be an original animated film.
- The festival accepts various types of animation, including:
2D Animation
3D Animation
Hand-drawn or digital animation
Experimental animation
- Submit by deadline: August 1, 2026
- Accepts films of all styles, genres, lengths except commercial works.
The final screening of selected films may take place in person in Calgary, Canada as part of the festival events, but submission does not require personal attendance.