Darren Chastney | 24 June 2026
In just a few days, Žilina will once again become the home of international animation as the 19th edition of Fest AnÄa International Animation Festival opens on 30 June.
This year’s theme, FAKE, could hardly be more timely. In an age of AI-generated content, deepfakes, manipulated images and competing versions of reality, the festival invites audiences to explore the fascinating boundary between truth and illusion through the unique lens of animation. Alongside its thematic programme, visitors can look forward to an exceptional selection of animated shorts, feature films, music videos, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, discussions and industry events, bringing together filmmakers, artists and animation enthusiasts from around the world.
I am particularly pleased to see another edition approaching because I have had the privilege of cooperating with Fest AnÄa since the festival’s very beginnings, providing English-language editing and proofreading for its international communications. Over the years, this collaboration has helped ensure that festival programmes, catalogues, promotional materials and other content are accessible to filmmakers, guests, partners, journalists and audiences far beyond Slovakia’s borders.
Watching Fest AnÄa grow from an ambitious idea into one of Central Europe’s most respected animation festivals has been a genuine pleasure. Today, it attracts creators and visitors from across the globe while showcasing the very best of contemporary animation and creating valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, professional networking and artistic inspiration.
As always, it is a pleasure to contribute to a project that connects people, ideas and creativity across languages and cultures. I would like to thank the entire Fest AnÄa team for their continued trust and cooperation over so many years.
I wish this year’s festival every success and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.
See you in Žilina! š„āØ