Animation Dingle

Overview

ANIMATION DINGLE FESTIVAL 2027 MARCH 18-20 2027 Set in magical Dingle, Ireland, on the most westerly peninsula of Europe, Animation Dingle is now in its 15th year and celebrates creativity and excellence in Irish and International animation. Animation Dingle is an Academy Award® Qualifying festival. The recipient of Animation Dingle’s Best Irish Professional Short Award is eligible for consideration in the Animation Short Film category of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules. Animation Dingle is also a Student Academy Awards® qualifying festival. The festival has been listed by Animation Magazine in their TOP 25 EVENTS IN THE WORLD NOT-TO-BE-MISSED! The festival was created for students, has been moulded by them, and is composed of four parts—Conference, Workshops, Screenings and Awards. Testimonials: “The best festival in the world!” Bryan O’ Connell Vice President of Children's Television, The Jim Henson Company “As iconic as its stone circles, Ireland's preeminent animation festival, Animation Dingle, brings together industry leaders in the spirit of camaraderie, collaboration, and celebration to surround and inspire emerging student artists. It is truly a magical festival like no other, with a commitment to well-being that includes cuddling baby lambs!” Emily Hart, Disney Jackie Edwards, Head of BBC Children’s Animation. “The best festival I’ve ever attended!” Peter Lord // Aardman Animations "I was blown away by my first visit to Animation Dingle – and I’m not talking about Atlantic gales. The status and the quality of the many speakers is outstanding – you’ll see and hear some fascinating talks from some of the best-informed, best placed people in the industry. At the same time, the presence of so many students of animation - talented, ambitious and committed gives the festival a glorious youthful energy which doesn’t end with them; there’s no shortage of energy either in the lovely team that keep the whole thing running. Add to that a beautiful location and an Irish welcome, in the pubs and out, which is just about this side of caricature and I tell you, you’ve got a recipe for a terrific experience and an irresistible festival". "I can't think of a better place than Animation Dingle to mix with big studio execs, world class creatives and brilliant students, along with our own amazing Irish industry. It's such a fantastic event for taking stock of where we are and finding new connections for the future. Thank you Animation Dingle!" Nora Twomey, Cartoon Saloon, Partner, Producer, Director "Came away yet again stoked by the Irish animation community: the camaraderie, the talent, and the level of student work always blows me away". JP Vine, Locksmith Animation "An important aspect of the event is the way it connects young Irish talent and creativity. It provides new entrants, graduates and third-level students with access to international decision-makers who they can look to for advice, direction and valuable insights". Eileen Bell, Senior Business Development Advisor at Enterprise Ireland. "Animation Dingle serves as a reminder to focus on what’s most important in fostering creativity – growing and cultivating students’ imagination. Ireland has become a force in animation and Dingle is the perfect place to celebrate this emergence as you breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sights of this stunning seaside town". Tara Sorensen Head of Childrens’ Programming, Apple TV+ "Your Animation Dingle Festival bridges the gap between industry professionals and aspiring students like no other event we’ve ever attended. It was inspiring to meet the next generation of young creators & animators and see their passion for animation burning brightly — be it during panels, in the Q&As, or at the Pitch & a Pint — which was an unexpected highlight of the weekend! Dingle peninsula is hands-down one of the most beautiful places on Earth". Jef Kaminsky Vice President of Television Development and Programming for Scholastic Media “The Animation Dingle lives and breathes the best aspects of what the Animation industry is all about. Opening doors for students and industry professionals to gather and shape the industry through thoughtful conversation and celebration of work. It really is a perfect blend of Business, Inspiration and Learning." Joel Bradley Head of Production, Atomic Cartoon “What a true delight. It was an honor to be asked to speak, a connective, heart-warming experience, and the most laughing I've done in a while. (That auction is the best comedy routine I've ever seen in person!) You've created something very special!” Heather Tilert, Netflix "Dingle-Tastic - thank you! We feel so fortunate to be amongst such talent and that energy is so contagious. It will power us thru our year – it’s why we do what we do, really". Michelle Sullivan VP, Creative Exec – Gaumont TV The festival is home to the Murakami Award for Animation Animation Dingle has seen Keynotes and presentations from Disney, Amazon Studios, Nickelodeon, Apple, Netflix, Pixar, Bento Box, Sky Kids, Aardman Animations, Triggerfish, Golden Wolf, Blue Spirit, Polygon Pictures, Scholastic Entertainment, Shadow Machine, Skybound Entertainment, Atomic Cartoon, Industrial Brothers, Polygon Pictures, Toon Boom, Locksmith Animations, DNEG, Unreal Engine, RTÉ, CBBC, Milkshake, Channel 5, Screen Ireland, Cartoon Saloon, JAM Media, Brown Bag Films, Kavaleer, Boulder Media, Lighthouse Studios, Turnip + Duck. The festival showcases and recognises the best of animated film with a curated screening programme and the Animation Dingle Awards. The festival's many events include: Awards Show, Conference, Studio Fair, masterclasses, workshops, portfolio pitching sessions, Pitch & A Pint, The Big Pitcher, YAOTY (Young Animator of the Year), Sketch Trail, and much more. Please see www.animationdingle.com for details closer to the time. Special guests have included; Nick Park, Aardman Animations Don Hall, Director (Winnie the Pooh, Big Hero 6, Moana, Raya and the Last Dragon) Alison Ruthland, Pixar (Onward) Bobby Podesta, Supervising Animator at Pixar Animation Studios Bonnie Arnold, Producer (Toy Story, How To Train Your Dragon) Nora Twomey, Co-founder and Creative Director of Cartoon Saloon (The Breadwinner) Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming, Amazon Studios Bob Peterson, Pixar (Up, Finding Nemo) Peter Lord, Aardman Animations (Chicken Run, Early Man) Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks (How To Train Your Dragon, Lilo & Stitch)) Orion Ross, Vice President, Content - Animation, Digital & Acquisitions Disney Channels EMEA Oscar winners Richie Baneham (Avatar) and Patrick Osborne (Feast) Oscar nominated Tomm Moore (Song of The Sea, Wolfwalkers) Dan Katcher (Game of Thrones - Dragon designer) Ryan Woodward (Iron Man, The Avengers) Jimmy T. Murakami (The Snowman) David Morehead (Head of Layout on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) Keith Sintay, senior animator (The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars story Matthias Lechner Art Director of Environments (Ralph Breaks The Internet, Zootopia) Wouter Tulp Character Designer with Sony Pictures Animation Christian De Vita, Storyboard Artist (Fantastic Mr. Fox) Georgina Hayns, Puppet Creator and Creative Director, Shadow Machine Rejean Bourdages, PIXAR (Elio, Soul, Toy Story 4) Merlin Crossingham, Aardman Animations JP Vine, Locksmith Animation

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

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Festival Details

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• Filmmaker

  ¡Qué gran experiencia! Ha sido maravilloso participar un año más. Este evento cinematográfico se está convirtiendo en uno de los mejores festivales de cine de animación de Europa. www.mailukifilms.com

• Filmmaker

  The only inconvenience was ammount of events occuring simultaniously during the festival though that was helped with the shuttle bus, I had a wonderful time. Would definitely go again next year.

• Filmmaker

  I wish I could have attended this year!! My film, Yearn, screened alongside some other fantastic shorts and and I feel very fortunate to have been included. I'm planning a trip to attend next year (coming from the US) whether I have a film to submit or not. It looked like an incredible time with so many opportunities for networking, education, and entertainment.

• Filmmaker

  Animation Dingle stands out as a truly special festival, one that feels deeply connected to both the art of animation and the community that surrounds it. From the moment of acceptance, the communication was warm, thoughtful, and clearly driven by people who genuinely care about filmmakers and their work. The programming is exceptional, with a carefully curated selection of films that reflects a wide range of styles, voices, and perspectives, creating an environment where each film feels valued rather than simply part of a larger slate. What makes Animation Dingle particularly memorable is the atmosphere, there’s an undeniable creative energy that runs through the festival, where conversations, ideas, and inspiration flow naturally. All in all, it’s the kind of festival you hope your film finds its way into, professionally run, artist-focused, and genuinely celebratory of animation as a medium.

• Filmmaker

  Paper Horse Pictures

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