SATV, Kathmandu, June 22: Nepal’s first-ever animation film festival, the AVAAN Animation Film Festival (AAFF), is set to be held in October.

The Animation and VFX Artists Association of Nepal (AVAAN) announced that the festival will be organised under the theme ‘My Nepal, Reimagined,’ translated from the Nepali title Maile Dekheko Nepal.

On the occasion, Film Development Board Chairman Dinesh DC attended as the chief guest and unveiled the festival’s official mascot, ‘Aaffe’.

According to the organisers, the creative concept of ‘Aaffe’ is based on the Danphe, Nepal’s national bird, and is also inspired by the renowned Nepali artist Arniko. The mascot is said to represent the colourful, creative, imaginative and vibrant spirit of Nepali artists.

The festival will feature screenings of animated short films, a concept art challenge and various animation competitions.

Applications have been opened for animated and VFX-based short films ranging from two to ten minutes in length. Artists, animators, VFX professionals and filmmakers from Nepal and around the world will be eligible to participate.

During the programme, AVAAN also announced plans to launch an online portal called ‘CareerBoard’ aimed at connecting artists seeking employment in the animation and VFX sectors with companies and studios looking for skilled professionals.

The association further revealed its intention to introduce Nepal’s first formal undergraduate academic programme in animation. 

AVAAN said that preliminary discussions are currently underway with a reputed university for this purpose.