Animae Caribe Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in Trinidad and Tobago from 28–31 October 2026, bringing international animation talent, thought leaders, innovators and regional creatives together for a landmark celebration of storytelling, technology and creative industry development.
For 25 years, Animae Caribe has championed animation as a way to inspire young people, showcase Caribbean culture and create opportunities for regional talent. This anniversary edition looks ahead to how artificial intelligence, digital media, investment and original intellectual property are reshaping the creative landscape—and how the Caribbean can claim its place in it.
International animation talent
The line-up includes Bruce W. Smith, creator and executive producer of The Proud Family; Chris Lavis, co-director of the Academy Award-winning short The Girl Who Cried Pearls; and Florian Perinelle, lead stop-motion animator on LAIKA’s Wildwood.
Special screenings, masterclasses and filmmaker conversations offer audiences a closer look at internationally recognised productions and the craft behind them.
AI, culture and the creative future
The Festival’s partnership with the Rose Foundation’s Algorithmacy conference brings together international academics, researchers and creative professionals, including voices associated with Harvard Business School, the London School of Economics and Italy’s National Research Council. Discussions explore how algorithms and artificial intelligence are influencing creativity, culture, learning, decision-making and society.
A collaboration with the European Union and the European Film Festival also brings a special screening of Living Large, directed by Kristina Dufková. The Czech stop-motion feature follows 12-year-old Ben as he navigates body image, friendship, first love and self-confidence.
Caribbean stories with global ambitions
A major highlight is the case study of Champions of the Galaxy, a futuristic animated franchise inspired by cricket and Caribbean identity. Featuring Lil D, the descendant of cricket legend Dwayne Bravo, and his crew competing against alien teams, the project explores how a distinctly Caribbean story can become a global entertainment property.
The discussion examines storytelling, production, financing, investment, brand partnerships and intellectual property development.
“Our 25th anniversary is both a celebration of our journey and a call to action for the future of Caribbean creativity,” said Camille Selvon, Founder and Executive Director of the Animae Caribe Festival. “We have spent 25 years nurturing talent and championing stories that reflect who we are. Now, we must ensure that Caribbean creators have the skills, investment, technology and opportunities to own their intellectual property, compete internationally and build sustainable creative businesses.”
25 Years! One Big Pan Yard Party
The celebration culminates on 31 October at Starlift Panyard, bringing the anniversary home to the cultural rhythms and community spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.
As Animae Caribe enters its next chapter, Caribbean animation remains a platform for cultural expression, innovation, entrepreneurship and global influence.
Explore the festival programme and purchase screening tickets at CinemaONE.
