The enchanting island of Syros is set to transform into a global hub for animation as the 17th ANIMASYROS International Animation Festival unfolds from 23-29 September. As Greece’s leading animation festival – and one of Europe’s top 20 – ANIMASYROS has seen remarkable growth. This year's event boasts a rich line-up featuring 261 films from 50 countries, spread across eight competitive sections, and the Agora, a thriving professional forum. With a focus on competitions and industry networking, ANIMASYROS 2024 offers a vibrant platform for showcasing global talent and facilitating creative collaborations.

At the heart of ANIMASYROS are its eight competition sections, which highlight 118 films from diverse cultures and of different artistic styles, reflecting the multifaceted nature of contemporary animation. Each section offers a unique perspective, ranging from student works to professional commissions, allowing both emerging and established artists to shine.

The International Competition brings together 21 films from across the world, including poignant works such as Swimming with Wings by Daphna Awadish Golan, which explores migration, and The Meatseller by Margherita Giusti, a compelling narrative about a young Nigerian woman following in her mother's footsteps. Other notable entries include The Wolf by Theodore Ushev, which examines the tension between nature and humanity through innovative animation techniques. The National Competition celebrates the vibrancy of Greek animation with 12 films from the country’s top creators. Demonstrating its commitment to fostering local talent, ANIMASYROS has introduced two new accolades: the Emerging Greek Creator Award and the Greek-language Student Film Award, each offering a prize of €1,500.

Known for its advocacy of equality and diversity, the AnimaPride section features 13 films that tell powerful personal stories of acceptance and the universal right to love. The section continues to underscore the importance of inclusion and respect in the animation industry. The K.ID.S. section offers 20 imaginative films aimed at children, tackling themes like the environment, diversity and family relationships. These films engage both young and older viewers, encouraging empathy, creativity and awareness of the world around them.

In the TV & Commissioned Films section, professionals excelling in commercial animation are recognised, with works ranging from advertising spots to music videos. The #thisisEU - European Values section presents films that promote European ideals, adding a political and social dimension to the festival.

The ANIMASYROS Agora has grown into a key event for animation professionals globally, providing a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange. This year, the Agora boasts a range of activities, from presentations and round-table discussions to master classes and high-level networking sessions, attracting a diverse international audience.

One of the highlights of the Agora is the Pitching Forum, which has gained prestige through its new strategic partnership with the Annecy Festival, the world’s largest animation festival. As part of the International MIFA Campus initiative, the Pitching Forum supports emerging animation talent from Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt. From 25-28 September, young creators will participate in a four-day Pitching Coaching Workshop, where leading industry experts will guide them in developing their projects. These workshops will prepare participants to present their ideas at the Pitch Partenaire event at the Annecy Festival in 2025.

Besides the Pitching Forum, the Agora features a wide array of master classes, discussions and presentations centred on new technologies and distribution strategies for animated films. Special sessions will focus on stop-motion animation, virtual reality and the challenges of film distribution in the current market. Internationally acclaimed figures in the animation world, including Spanish director Isabel Herguera, Portuguese animator Regina Pessoa and Vanessa Ann Sinden, of Triggerfish Animation (one of Africa’s leading animation studios), will share their expertise through master classes and talks, further enriching the Agora's offerings.

As the Agora continues to shape the future of animation, its key initiatives – such as the Animation Speed Dating sessions and the Greek Animation Talks – ensure that local creators have access to the global market. The speed dating, introduced last year, allows Greek creators to meet one-on-one with renowned professionals from around the world, offering invaluable insights and potential collaborations. This year’s mentors include directors, producers and distributors from leading studios and organisations, ensuring that participants have the chance to connect with top industry players.

ANIMASYROS continues to expand its influence across the Cyclades and beyond, hosting screenings and events in branch offices located on several nearby islands. This year’s programme also emphasises international collaboration, with tributes to animation from Slovakia, Mexico and the Czech Republic, among others. A particular highlight of the festival is the focus on African animation, presented under the theme "Africa: An Animated Continent". Films from acclaimed African directors such as Ebele Okoye, Raymond Malinga and Comfort Arthur provide a unique window on the rich storytelling traditions and artistic innovations emerging from the continent. This focus underscores ANIMASYROS's commitment to promoting underrepresented voices in global animation.