AHEAD of its 10th anniversary edition from October 20 to 22 in Lagos, LIFANIMA, Nigeria’s animation film festival, has received 1,298 animated short film entries from more than 120 countries.

Beginning October 20, audiences and industry stakeholders will be treated to an exciting programme featuring international film screenings, masterclasses, workshops, networking sessions, panel discussions and special events celebrating a decade of excellence in animation.

Festival Director, Muyiwa Kayode, disclosed in a statement that a major highlight of this year’s festival is the introduction of the NOA Animation Awards, sponsored by the National Orientation Agency (NOA). The awards will offer a total of ₦22.5 million in cash prizes, making them one of the richest animation awards on the African continent.

He added that the NOA Animation Awards seek to inspire Nigerian animators to harness the power of animation as a tool for promoting positive values, national orientation and social development, while encouraging world-class creativity among the country’s growing community of animation professionals.

Kayode further noted the unprecedented global participation. “Receiving 1,298 submissions from over 120 countries is a remarkable achievement and a testament to how far LIFANIMA has come in the past ten years. We are proud that creators from every region of the world continue to see Nigeria as an important destination for animation. The introduction of the NOA Animation Awards further demonstrates our commitment to growing the industry while encouraging animation that positively impacts society.”

As preparations intensify, he disclosed that an international panel of industry professionals will begin the rigorous selection process to determine the Official Selections, nominees and eventual award winners.

LIFANIMA is dedicated to celebrating excellence in animation while promoting creativity, innovation, education and industry development. It has been a vital platform for showcasing animated films from Africa and around the world, fostering international collaboration and advancing the growth of Africa’s animation ecosystem.

The National Orientation Agency, the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the Bank of Industry, and Checkers Africa Limited are among the festival sponsors.