The animation world will descend on the town of Dingle this weekend for the annual Animation Dingle Festival which attracts major overseas and local guests. Co-founded by John Rice of JAM Media and Dingle International Film Festival CEO Maurice Galway, this is now in its seventh year, taking place on Kerry peninsula in the southwest of Ireland, celebrating student creativity and excellence in Irish and international animation.
Over the course of the two day event, key decision makers from Amazon, BBC, Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Pixar, RTE and Sony Pictures Television Networks along with keynote speakers, will share insights into the many opportunities that exist in this growing and vibrant animation sector. Students will get to mingle with industry professionals in a thought provoking, inspiring and fun environment.
Rice said “Once again we’re delighted with the quality of the speakers and keynotes at this year’s event. The festival celebrates the work carried out by students in Ireland and internationally and this year we welcome back The Irish Animation Awards to honour the vibrant industry on the island. As always the festival naturally maintains our current gender balance of 1:1 in both guests and speakers. The festival has resonated with students and professionals alike with ticket selling out within 24 hours of release.”
Keynote speeches will be delivered by Nora Twomey (Oscar nominated director, The Breadwinner / Cartoon Saloon) Bob Peterson (Oscar nominated for best original screenplay, Finding Nemo / Pixar), Kira Lehtomaki (Walt Disney Animation Studios co-head of animation), Bonnie Arnold (Oscar nominated & Golden Globe Winning producer, How to Train Your Dragon) and Richie Baneham (Oscar winner for best visual effects Avatar).
Further highlights of the festival include The Animation Dingle Student Awards, as well as The Irish Animation Awards.