About ASIFA Central
ASIFA Central is the Midwest USA Chapter of ASIFA, the International Animation Association (l'Association Internationale du Film d'Animation). Founded in France by a group of professional animators and chartered by UNESCO in 1960, ASIFA's goal is to encourage the art of animation and further international understanding and goodwill through the medium of the animated film. There are nearly 30 chapters world-wide including six in the USA. ASIFA Central was begun in Chicago, Illinois, in 1975 and has involved many of the professional and independent animators in the Midwest.
ASIFA Central Midwest Animator's Conference and Retreat – Events Scheduled for 2008 and 2009! Mark your calendars!
November 7 – 8, 2008 Grand Rapids, Michigan (in alliance with the Fort Night/Short Night Film Festival, Wealthy Theater, sponsored by Grand Rapids Community Media Center, GRCMC)
May 14 – 17, 2009 Kalamazoo, Michigan (at the 6th edition of KAFI – The Kalamazoo Animation Festival International!)
For the past decade, ASIFA/Central members have come together each spring for a weekend of screenings, presentations, anijams and conversation. For 2008, we moved the event to fall, to coincide with International Animation Day Celebrations, and the Fort Night/Short Night Film Festival. This festival, organized by the Community Media Center, GRCMC, will be held at the beautifully restored Wealthy Theatre, a neighborhood theater built in 1911. We met there for our 2006 annual retreat, and it was a wonderful collaboration and an exciting venue.
In 2009, we will return to the spring. Our retreat will be May 14 – 17, 2009 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at KAFI – the Kalamazoo Animation Festival International. This major festival offers screenings, lectures, workshops, an educator's conference, and more. Held every other year, it grows in success and importance. Check out the website at http://kafi.kvcc.edu/ for more information and deadlines. It's not to be missed!
ASIFA Central Online
ASIFA Central was the first ASIFA chapter to publish an ASIFA webpage. The web site features articles from past newsletters, a members page and gallery, and general information about ASIFA Central, much like it does today.
Frame By Frame News
Because of our wide geographical spread, ASIFA Central has evolved from its' original emphasis on meetings and screenings to a more virtual organization. The newsletter, "Frame By Frame, ?provided the membership with information as well as a forum for interaction. Because the publication was quarterly, it featured in-depth articles rather than timely announcements. Frame by Frame News is now only available online. Members receive access to the most recent news through email and member-only links.
Helen Victoria Haynes World Peace Storyboard/Animation Competition
One of our members, Mary Lou Haynes, has put together a Storyboard & Animation Contest called the Helen Victoria Haynes World Peace Storyboard & Animation competition. Students winning this award receive production support for the creation of an animated film about World Peace.
To find out more check out the web site: www.hvh-worldpeace.org