Each year, animation comes to life in Jerusalem through Anination, the Jerusalem International Animation Festival, bringing together artists, audiences and innovators from Israel and from around the world to celebrate the art of animation.
This month, Anination celebrated its ninth edition, a meaningful milestone that reflects both the festival’s endurance and its cultural importance in the city. In the shadow of the war and the events following October 7, the festival carried added significance, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope. Supported by the Jerusalem Foundation and a wide network of cultural partners, the festival embodied the creative spirit that continues to move Jerusalem forward.
The ninth edition highlighted the extraordinary emotional and artistic reach of animation. Films sparked laughter and tears, opened unexpected paths of thought and revealed the special ability of animation to immerse viewers in imaginative and thought-provoking worlds. These experiences unfolded before a diverse and multi-generational audience that gathered to explore culture through one of the most expressive forms of storytelling.
This year’s program showcased a remarkable range of international and Israeli works, including films recognized at Cannes, Annecy and Sundance, alongside new Israeli productions that push the boundaries of creative expression. It also featured outstanding works from Japan, the United States, the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia and many other countries, reflecting the global richness of contemporary animation. Visitors engaged with video art, virtual reality experiences, gaming installations, creator talks and masterclasses that offered a deeper look into the craft behind the screen.
More than a film festival, the ninth edition of Anination stands as a testament to Jerusalem’s enduring creativity, a city that continues to dream, to imagine and to bring people together through culture and community.