The festival has selected around 80 films from a collection of over 1,000 to screen in this special edition, which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of animated film in Albania. Out of these, 40 films were nominated for awards.

The painter and event director, Artan Maku, said that the event aims to educate children.

“Our goal is the education of children. This year we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of animated film. The animated film studio within the then television began in 1974. The competing films have gone through a very rigorous selection process. The best films were selected from 1,070 films. The themes will be versatile, including humour and family topics. With this festival, we value both the audience and the creators,” Maku stated.

“Anifest” chose to screen mainly short feature films covering a wide range of themes.

Meanwhile, Marinela Ndria, director of the central state film archive, described this event as one of the few festivals held in Albania.

“This is a golden time. On the 50th anniversary of ‘Anifest,’ we have introduced a session dedicated to classic animated films. Over 50 films will be screened, honouring classic animated cinema,” she said.

/sm/