One of Europe’s leading animation events will take place in Kerry on the 21st and 22nd of March.
The thirteenth annual Animation Dingle festival will attract industry leaders from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada.
Known for its screenings, awards, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, Animation Dingle attracts industry professionals, students, enthusiasts, and aspiring animators alike.
As an Academy Awards-qualifying event, the festival will also be attended by major studios, including Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and the BBC.
There will also be an auction of works donated by students and festival guests, which organisers hope will raise more than €40,000 for UNICEF.
Programme Highlights
Oscar-Nominated Animation Shorts 2025
- Beautiful Men
- Yuck!
- Wander to Wonder
Feature Films
- Kensuke’s Kingdom (starring Cillian Murphy)
- Memoir of a Snail (Oscar-nominated 2025)
- Chicken for Linda!
Workshops & Presentations
- The Art of Stop-Motion Fabrication – hosted by Georgina Hayns (Del Toro’s Pinocchio)
- Life Drawing with Morph – led by Peter Lord (Aardman)
Presented by JAM Media, with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland as the official partner, this year’s festival is also supported by Enterprise Ireland.
Director of Animation Dingle, Maurice Galway, says, "We are thrilled to explore the theme of 'passion'… We celebrate how passion fuels the people of our industry, how it transforms ideas into art and brings them to life through the world of animation."
Animation Dingle Co-Founder John Rice, CEO of JAM Media, says, "Each year, we… not only showcase outstanding work but build connections, inspire the next generation of animators, and push the boundaries of storytelling. This year, we are excited to bring the theme of passion to Animation Dingle, and we hope everyone leaves inspired by the level of creativity and innovation in the festival."
Andrew Fitzpatrick, chairman of Monster Entertainment, will receive the prestigious Murakami Award, which recognises individuals who have made a significant impact on animation.
The Murakami Award, now in its 11th year, is named after Jimmy Teru Murakami, a key figure in Irish animation.
