Showcasing global animation talent, the 17th edition of ANIMASYROS 2024 brought together over one hundred animation professionals from 20 countries and drew international visitors across the globe to Syros Island, Greece, from 23 to 29 September.

Ahram Online: How has ANIMASYROS evolved over the years? Tell us more about this year's Egyptian participation.

Vassilis Karamitsanis: The initial vision for establishing ANIMASYROS was to create a small animation festival on the beautiful Greek island of Syros, specifically in its main town, Hermoupolis. Over the years, the festival has grown into the largest animation festival in Greece and the Mediterranean basin, and it has become one of the largest such events in Europe. It has exceeded our expectations and expanded its appeal on an international level, which makes us truly proud.

Regarding this year's edition, it was about time to give a voice to African animation, which is now rising internationally. The festival brought together works from all across the continent, from Egypt to South Africa and from Uganda to Nigeria and Eritrea.

As for Egypt, it is important to note that we are very closely related. As a festival team, we have conducted workshops in Alexandria and Cairo, and we have welcomed educators and professionals from the animation industry as visitors to our festivals in previous years. This was the largest and most impressive Egyptian national delegation to ever attend ANIMASYROS 2024.

 AO: How do you believe the festival contributes to the cultural landscape of Greece and the broader international animation community?

VK: The Hellenic Film Academy has nominated ANIMASYROS as one of the five largest cinema festivals in Greece. This is a significant recognition of our efforts and the results we have achieved so far.

Indeed, Animasyros has always been an important mode of communication for the entire international animation community. This is primarily attributed not only to the well-curated tributes and film screenings we offer and the educational workshops but also to its Agora Market sessions, which bring together the best from around the world to interact with the local community and the international audience attending Animasyros.

AO: How does the festival support emerging animators? 

VK: We provide support not only for emerging animators and artists but also for well-established professionals worldwide. The Agora Market section is specially designed each year, featuring various facilities that bring artists together. During this event, emerging artists have the opportunity to meet established figures and other professionals in the animation industry. They are also given time – usually 10 to 15 minutes – to present their work to key figures in international animation during a special event dedicated to showcasing their creativity.

We also have the Meet the Directors reception, where people can mingle and get along together. Additionally, we have pitching sessions, where people from around the Mediterranean are invited to bring works in progress in the field of short films of animation, five of which are shortlisted. 

This year, we introduced a multi-annual collaboration – an agreement with Annecy, the International Film Festival and Market, which is the leading animation event in the world.

Vast exchanges occur through a large number of animation initiatives we undertake during the festival, particularly addressing the national and regional communities, specifically Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. This has yielded significant outcomes and results.

AO: What are the partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions and organizations that play a role in the festival?

VK: There are numerous collaborations – creative, financial, and productive – with educational institutions. The most significant of these is our primary academic supporter, the University of the Aegean and its School of Engineering, which hosts a special department for the design of products and services on Syros Island. In addition, we have participation from other universities across Greece and Cyprus, both private and public. I would also like to mention the secondary and primary educational institutions in Syros, as well as several national and international schools in Greece. All of these institutions conduct workshops and other educational sessions.

AO: What do you think people gain from the festival experience?

VK: I believe we invite people to experience ANIMASYROS and Syros Island in their own way, and this is an important part – an essential piece of the puzzle that makes each yearly ANIMASYROS unique. Each individual's personal experience and interaction with the festival, its stimuli, and the audience is very precious to us. The festival's artistic director, Maria Anestopoulou, always says that animation unites people. We believe that “animation always wins.” This is, in fact, our message, especially in times of international challenges and conflicts. Let us come together through animation.