One of the most important cultural events in Bulgaria and the world - International Animation Film Festival “Golden Kuker” - took its first steps in the National Palace of Culture in October 2010 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It had a tremensous success and was vividly reflected in the media. More than 200 films from 29 countries entered the competition in 2010 and more than 340 films from 51 countries in 2011 (among which were authors of three films nominated for an “Oscar” and films of artists awarded at international festivals category "A"). IAFF “Golden Kuker” is the first festival of animation in Bulgaria since the beginning of the new century. It welcomes international participation and already ranks in the list of the major festivals in the world of animation. It is organized by BAICAA (Bulgarian Association of Independent Cartoon Animation Artists - "Proyko Proykov” - a non-profit organization), chaired by Mrs. Nadezhda Slavova (cartoon artist, filmmaker and author of numerous animation films). The next edition of the festival of animation will take place from 28 May to 3 June 2012.

PLASTIC PAPER is currently accepting submissions for short and feature-length animated films made after Jan. 1, 2010.  THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE. DEADLINE: Feb 1, 2011. Download the entry form at www.plastic-paper.org 

About PLASTIC PAPER:

PLASTIC PAPER started in 2008 as a mini-program curated by Kier-La Janisse and Dave Barber, and hosted by the Winnipeg Cinematheque before branching out into an independent event. PLASTIC PAPER 2008 featured the Manitoba premieres of Bill Plympton's IDIOTS AND ANGELS, Nina Paley's multi-award winning SITA SINGS THE BLUES, John Bergin's apocalyptic FROM INSIDE and much more. Special guests have included BILL PLYMPTON, HEATHER HENSON and curator NAOMI HOCURA.

Many of the featured works come in a variety of animation styles with sometimes challenging subject matter; although some films are kid-friendly, PLASTIC PAPER is mainly geared towards adult animation fans as well as animators themselves. The programming is widely eclectic, but shows a preference for independently-financed films, films with an adult sensibility, and films using traditional methods of animation, such as 2-D illustration, cut-outs and stop-motion. The festival also showcases films about animators or illustrators, as well as puppetry films. The connecting thread in the programming is that all selections celebrate the labour-intensity, the obsessiveness, and the unique personalities of these very hands-on crafts.

5th edition of Latin America's most prestigious animation festival, open to feature and short films produced for theatre, TV, video or the Internet. Special interest: independent animation, school productions, Latin American films. No entry fee.