‘AniMakers’ Festival Receives Support from Governor Alexander Gusev

On February 3, Governor Aleksander Gusev held a working meeting with Andrey Markov, State Duma Deputy of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Nikolaev, General Producer of Voronezh Animation Studio.

The topic of the meeting was the organization of the III Voronezh International Animation Festival ‘AniMakers’, which will take place in May 2025. Over the past two years, the ‘AniMakers’ Festival has not only become a significant regional event but also a remarkable feature of Russia’s cultural life. In 2025, the festival has already received support from the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, which will allocate 7 million rubles for its organization.

Vladimir Nikolaev mentioned that this year, 4,000 applications are expected for participation in the festival. Traditionally, the festival will include a competitive, educational, and business programs. Within the framework of ‘AniMakers’, 45 educational events are planned, and over 200 films will be screened, including screenings in municipal districts of the Voronezh region. Additionally, in 2025, as part of the non-competitive program, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory, animated films about the Great Patriotic War will be shown.

The educational program will feature lectures and masterclasses for participants of all ages, where they will be introduced to high-quality animation software and even create their own animated films. A standout feature of the festival will be the business segment: it will include discussions on strategic tasks for achieving technological independence in the film industry.

Thus, ‘AniMakers’ will be of interest not only to the youngest animation enthusiasts but also to industry professionals and technical directors of animation studios. It is expected that more than 20,000 people will attend the festival this year.

– "’AniMakers’ is growing and expanding, not only in terms of geography but also in its content, filled with new meanings and ideas," noted State Duma Deputy Andrei Markov. "This year, a special competition for works by school animation studios will be held for the Governor of Voronezh Region’s special prize. Our city is rich in creative people. Thanks to events like the ’AniMakers’ festival, Voronezh is steadily gaining a well-deserved place on the Russian map of creative industries."

Governor Alexander Gusev confirmed that the regional government is ready to provide the necessary support to the festival organizers.

Source links: https://www.govvrn.ru/news/2025/02/03/7529 http://deputatmarkov.ru/novosti/1388