Animafest Zagreb – Croatia 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: The World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb, established in 1972, is the second-oldest animation festival globally, initiated by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA), Zagreb Film, and the City of Zagreb, inspired by the global acclaim of the Zagreb School of Animation.
• Cultural Significance: As a cornerstone of Croatia’s cultural landscape, Animafest celebrates animation as an art form, bridging traditional and experimental techniques while fostering international collaboration among filmmakers, artists, and audiences.
• Historical Growth: Initially biennial, the festival became annual in 2005, alternating short and feature film focuses until 2015, when it merged both formats. It has grown to attract over 10,000 attendees annually, with 1,800+ film submissions in recent years, showcasing works from 70+ countries.
• Zagreb School Influence: Rooted in the legacy of pioneers like Dušan Vukotić, Vatroslav Mimica, and Zlatko Grgić, the festival honors the Zagreb School’s innovative, auteur-driven animation style, known for its artistic depth and social commentary.
• Global Impact: Animafest is part of the elite animation festival circuit (with Annecy, Ottawa, and Hiroshima), with Grand Prix winners qualifying for Academy Awards and European Animation Awards, enhancing its prestige.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Competitive screenings in categories like Grand Competition (Short and Feature Films), Student Film Competition, Croatian Competition, and Children and Youth Programme, featuring over 300 films.
  • Retrospectives of legendary animators (e.g., Quay Brothers, Michaela Pavlátová in 2025), showcasing classics and new works.
  • Open-air screenings in locations like Ribnjak Park, including the traditional Animafest picnic with family-friendly activities.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • The festival’s opening ceremony at SC Cinema, a grand event with live performances and speeches by figures like Art Director Daniel Šuljić.
  • The Mr. M Audience Award, named after founding director Želimir Matko, celebrates audience-favorite films.
  • Pitching forums and professional workshops, fostering collaboration between emerging and established filmmakers.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Exhibitions at venues like Kranjčar Gallery, showcasing animation art, storyboards, and historical artifacts from the Zagreb School.
  • The Animafest picnic in Ribnjak Park, offering food, music, and interactive animation workshops.
  • Masterclasses and talks by industry giants, such as past guests Norman McLaren, Nick Park, and Priit Pärn, open to professionals and enthusiasts.

Date & Duration

• Dates: June 8–13, 2026 (confirmed via animafest.hr).
• Duration: 6 days, with screenings, workshops, and events scheduled daily.
• Schedule Notes: Daytime features workshops and professional events; evenings host screenings and social events, with the picnic on June 11 and awards on June 13.

Venue / Location

• City: Zagreb, Croatia.
• Main Venues:
  • SC Cinema: Primary venue for opening/closing ceremonies and major screenings.
  • Cinema Europa and Tuškanac Cinema: Host competitive and retrospective screenings.
  • Kranjčar Gallery: Exhibition space for animation art and history.
  • Ribnjak Park: Open-air screenings and the Animafest picnic.
• Notable Areas:
  • SC Cinema’s main auditorium for premieres and award ceremonies.
  • Tuškanac’s outdoor summer stage for evening screenings, weather permitting.
  • Local cultural centers and museums host workshops and side events.
• Google Maps Addresses:
  • SC Cinema: Trg Stjepana Radića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Z3bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
  • Cinema Europa: Varšavska ul. 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Z3bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
  • Tuškanac Cinema: Tuškanac 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Z3bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
• Accessibility: All venues are wheelchair-accessible; contact organizers for specific accommodations.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via animafest.hr or partner platforms like Kinoteka.hr, with secure payment options.
  • On-site at SC Cinema, Cinema Europa, and Tuškanac box offices during the festival.
  • Festival passes (single-day, multi-day, or professional) available; group discounts for schools or families via info@animafest.hr.
• Admission Type: Paid for most screenings; some open-air events and exhibitions are free.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum Pricing: $5 USD for single screening tickets (based on historical pricing, adjusted for 2026; exact prices TBD).
  • Maximum Pricing: $50 USD for full festival passes (based on historical pricing; exact prices TBD).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP passes ($70–$100 USD, estimated) offer reserved seating, access to exclusive talks, and festival merchandise.
  • Professional passes ($30–$80 USD, estimated) include screenings, pitching forums, and workshops.
  • Discounts for children, students, and seniors available for select screenings.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • info@animafest.hr (general inquiries and ticketing).
  • entries@animafest.hr (film submissions).
  • press@animafest.hr (media inquiries).
• Phone: +385 1 4678 475 (English and Croatian support, 9 AM–5 PM weekdays).
• Website: https://animafest.hr/en (festival details and tickets).
• Social Media:
  • @AnimafestZagreb (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for updates, artist spotlights, and live streams.
• Key Staff:
  • Daniel Šuljić: Art Director, overseeing programming and curation.
  • Matea Milić: Producer, managing logistics and operations.
  • Selection Committee: Includes Daniel Šuljić, Antonia Begušić, and Eugen Bilankov.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email press@animafest.hr for media passes and interviews.
  • Volunteers: Apply via info@animafest.hr; roles include ticketing, ushering, and workshop support (details by April 2026).
• Note: Response time is 24–48 hours. English and Croatian support available.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Animafest upholds the Zagreb School’s legacy, emphasizing auteur-driven animation with artistic and social themes.
  • The festival fosters a communal spirit through events like the Ribnjak Park picnic, blending Croatian hospitality with global animation culture.
• Music:
  • Screenings feature original scores, from minimalist electronic to orchestral, tailored to animation styles like stop-motion or CGI.
  • Evening concerts at venues like Cinema Europa include live music inspired by animation soundtracks, often with local Croatian bands.
• Costumes:
  • While costumes are less prominent, festival staff and volunteers wear themed attire featuring the Mandlek mascot, a bowler-hat character redesigned annually.
  • Attendees often sport creative, animation-inspired outfits, reflecting Zagreb’s vibrant arts scene.
• Local Customs:
  • Zagreb’s welcoming atmosphere encourages interaction between filmmakers and audiences, with post-screening Q&As and meet-and-greets.
  • The festival promotes inclusivity, with programs for all ages, from children’s screenings to avant-garde showcases for adults.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat sausages with ajvar and flatbread, available at food stalls near Ribnjak Park or local restaurants like Stari Fijaker.
  • Strukli: Baked or boiled dough filled with cheese, a Zagreb specialty served at vendors or cafés like La Štruk.
  • Peka: Slow-cooked meat or seafood under a bell-like lid, offered at nearby eateries like Konoba Didov San.
  • Graševina: Croatian white wine, served at festival venues or bars like Vinodol.
  • Rakija: Fruit brandy, a traditional Croatian spirit, available at local pubs.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Grilled vegetable platters, vegan štrukli, and falafel wraps at food trucks or restaurants like Zrno Bio Bistro.
  • Festival Snacks: Popcorn and local pastries like burek at cinema concessions.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG), 17 km from city center (20–30 minutes by taxi or shuttle).
• Public Transport:
  • Tram: Lines 2, 6, or 13 to Trg Stjepana Radića for SC Cinema; lines 1, 6, or 17 to Trg bana Jelačića for Cinema Europa.
  • Bus: Lines 105 or 226 to Tuškanac; airport shuttle to Zagreb Bus Terminal, then tram to venues.
  • Metro: None in Zagreb; trams and buses are primary public transport.
• Parking:
  • Paid parking near SC Cinema and Cinema Europa ($1–$3 USD per hour); Tuškanac has limited street parking.
  • Use ParkMe app to reserve spots near venues.
• Other Options:
  • Taxis (Cammeo, Eko Taxi) or Bolt cost $5–$10 USD from central Zagreb.
  • Bike rentals (Nextbike) available, with stations near Trg bana Jelačića.

Accommodation Options

• Hotel Esplanade Zagreb***:
  • Historic luxury hotel, 10-minute walk to SC Cinema, with elegant rooms and dining.
  • Rates: $120–$250 USD per night.
• Hotel Dubrovnik**:
  • In central Zagreb, 5-minute walk to Cinema Europa, offering modern rooms and breakfast.
  • Rates: $80–$150 USD per night.
• Hotel Jägerhorn*:
  • Boutique hotel near Tuškanac, with cozy rooms and a garden terrace.
  • Rates: $70–$130 USD per night.
• Hostel Swanky Mint:
  • Trendy hostel in central Zagreb, 10 minutes from main venues, with dorms and private rooms.
  • Rates: $20–$60 USD per night.
• Airbnb Options:
  • Apartments in Donji Grad or Gornji Grad, close to venues, ideal for budget or group travelers.
  • Rates: $30–$100 USD per night.
• Booking Tips:
  • Book 6–12 months in advance due to high demand during June’s festival season.
  • Check animafest.hr for partner hotels with discounts.