The Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF) is an independent, not-for-profit annual animation festival held in Melbourne, Australia, since 2001. Recognised as the largest animation-dedicated event in the country, MIAF showcases a diverse array of animated works from around the world, with a typical program screening over 200 films from more than 30 countries. The festival has historically included international competitions, retrospectives, student showcases, and guest appearances by prominent animators and industry professionals.
Originally supported by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Screen Australia, and the City of Melbourne, MIAF moved its screenings to the Treasury Theatre in 2019 due to ACMI's temporary closure for renovations. In 2022, the festival was cancelled following the withdrawal of key public funding, including support from Screen Australia, significantly impacting its operations and long-term viability.
History The Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF) was established in 2001 as a platform to celebrate and promote the art of animation in Australia. Over the years, the festival has grown to become the country's largest animation event, featuring a diverse selection of films from both local and international filmmakers.
In its early years, MIAF was supported by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Australian Film Commission (now Screen Australia), and the City of Melbourne. The festival was initially held at ACMI, providing a central location for screenings and events. However, in 2019, due to ACMI's temporary closure for large-scale renovations, MIAF relocated its screenings to the Treasury Theatre. This move allowed the festival to continue its operations without interruption.
In 2022, the festival faced significant challenges when Screen Australia decided not to continue its funding support. This decision, coupled with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, led to the cancellation of MIAF 2022. The organisers expressed their regret, stating, "The ability to run the Melbourne International Animation Festival has always required significant funding... But together this has made it possible to run our festival." They further noted that "the decision in 2022 by Screen Australia to not continue funding us changed the DNA of our festival".
Festival programming MIAF has been renowned for its diverse and inclusive programming, showcasing a wide range of animated works from around the globe. The festival typically features over 200 films selected from thousands of submissions, encompassing various genres and styles. Programs include international competitions, student showcases, and curated sessions focusing on specific themes or techniques. Notable sessions have included "Digital Extremes," "Masters & Returnees," and "Hi-Fi Design," each highlighting different aspects of the animation industry.
The festival has also been a platform for retrospectives, celebrating the works of influential animators and studios. These retrospectives have provided audiences with an opportunity to explore the evolution of animation and its impact on culture and society.
List of festivals by year Year Length Dates Location Notes 2001 6 days 26 June 2001 to 1 July 2001 Treasury Theatre Inaugural festival 2002 6 days 25 June 2002 to 30 June 2002 Treasury Theatre 2003 6 days 24 June 2003 to 29 June 2003 Australian Centre for the Moving Image First year at ACMI 2004 6 days 22 June 2004 to 27 June 2004 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2005 6 days 21 June 2005 to 26 June 2005 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2006 6 days 20 June 2006 to 25 June 2006 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2007 6 days 19 June 2007 to 24 June 2007 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2008 7 days 16 June 2008 to 22 June 2008 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2009 7 days 22 June 2009 to 28 June 2009 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2010 9 days 19 June 2010 to 27 June 2010 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2011 8 days 19 June 2011 to 26 June 2011 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2012 8 days 17 June 2012 to 24 June 2012 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2013 11 days 20 June 2013 to 30 June 2013 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2014 11 days 19 June 2014 to 29 June 2014 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2015 8 days 21 June 2015 to 28 June 2015 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2016 8 days 19 June 2016 to 26 June 2016 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2017 8 days 18 June 2017 25 June 2017 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2018 10 days June 14, 2018 to June 23, 2018 Australian Centre for the Moving Image 2019 10 days July 12 to July 21, 2019 Treasury Theatre 2020 4 days May 13 to May 16, 2021 Australian Centre for the Moving Image Re-Animated program with virtual engagements due to COVID-192021 4 days May 19 to May 22, 2022 Australian Centre for the Moving Image Re-Animated program with virtual engagements due to COVID-192022 Cancelled Lack of funding2023 8 days May 7 to May 14, 2023 Treasury Theatre & The Backlot Studios 2024 8 days May 5 to May 14, 2024 Treasury Theatre & The Backlot Studios 2025 8 days May 18 to May 25, 2025 Treasury Theatre & The Backlot Studios
Results Year Best of the Fest Best Australian Film Best International Student Film Best Australian Student Film2016 Velodrool - Sander Joon (Estonia) Hound by Georgia Kriss (Australia) Switch Man - Hsun-Chun Chuang, Shao-Kuei Tung (Taiwan) The Good, The Bad & The Noodley - Essington College (Australia)2017 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2018 After All – Michael Cusack (Australia)After All – Michael Cusack (Australia) Lost Property Office – Daniel Agdag (Australia)The Potion Controversy – Oscar Stockdale (UK)Welcome To Shmeven 11 – Dru Shaw (Australia) 2019 Per Tutta La Vita – Roberto Catani (France)Sohrab And Rustum – Lee Whitmore (Australia) Lost And Found – Andrew Goldsmith, Bradley Slabe and Lucy Hayes (Australia) Strawberry Bums: Invasion Of The Snubgrubs – Jeremy Sullivan (USA) Olga's Self Insert Fanfiction – Ella Sanderson, Georgette Stefoulis (Australia)2020Metamorphosis – Carla Pereira, Juan Fran Jacinto (Spain)Meanwhile, At The Abandoned Factory... – Michael Cusack (Australia)N/AN/A2021Nocturne – Alexander Dupuis (USA)Two Little People – Xin Li (Australia)N/AN/A2022Cancelled202311 – Vuk JevremovicThe Pioneers – Simon CotteeN/AHollow – Shirin Shakhesi2024Lack – Paweł Prewencki (Poland)My Jumper, It Roars! – Isabella SpagnoloN/AShoot Me In The Grocery Line – Yunlin Bai, Tori Huynh – RMIT2025Trash – Gregory Bouzid, Maxime Crancon, Robin Delaporte, Matteo Durand, Romain Fleischer, Alexis Le Ral, Margaux Lutz, Fanny Vecchie (France)Plumpin – Ivan DixonNRUT – Sophia Schonborn (Germany)Carrion – Gabriella Lee Sudyatmiko
See also
List of international animation festivals
References
External links Melbourne International Animation Festival Australian Centre for the Moving Image