The Wellington Animation Festival, known as WAFF, celebrates its second edition this year-end in New Zealand. This event brings together film lovers, artists, and animation professionals, offering a diverse program that includes screenings, conferences, and interactive activities. The festival has established itself as a key space for cultural and creative exchange in the field of animation.
A varied program
The WAFF presents a wide selection of films, both feature-length and short films. Among the highlighted screenings are titles such as La Vie, En gros, and L’Orage, the latter previously shown at the Annecy Festival. In addition, special selections are included, such as a compilation of the best short films from the Annecy Festival 2024 and works made by students from France and New Zealand. These works reflect the diversity of styles and techniques in the world of animation.
Conferences and encounters
The festival is not limited to screenings. It also offers spaces for dialogue and learning, such as roundtables and conferences. Among them, a making-of presented by Wētā FX stands out, a studio recognized for its work in visual effects. It also includes a retrospective analysis of Footrot Flats, New Zealand's first animated feature film, released in 1986. These activities allow attendees to delve into the creative and technical processes behind animation.
The team behind the WAFF
The festival is organized by C.A.F.E (Creative Aotearoa French Exchange), an association that promotes exchange between French-speaking and New Zealand artists. Directed by Marie Tricart, from 37Degrees Studio, and co-directed by Arthur Struyf, from Wētā FX, the association has the support of studios like Floating Rock, known for its project Kyōryū, which combines animation and futuristic dinosaurs. This team has managed to position the WAFF as an event of international relevance.
Supports and collaborations
The WAFF has the backing of institutions such as the French Embassy, the Annecy Festival, and Wētā FX. These collaborations not only reinforce the quality of the event but also underscore the importance of animation as a tool for cultural connection. The full festival program is available on its official website, where interested parties can find details about each activity.
The WAFF has become a benchmark for animation, uniting cultures and creativity in a single space.