International Animation Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Animation Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Animation Day is celebrated on October 28th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Animation Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about International Animation Day.

📅 What day is International Animation Day 2024?

In 2024, International Animation Day is on Saturday, October 28th. It is the 4th Saturday in October; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all fascinating details and facts about October 28, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

As International Animation Day arrives on October 28th, it’s an opportunity to revisit the joy of our youth when watching cartoons was the ultimate delight. As we’ve matured, our admiration for the art of animated storytelling has only deepened. Today, people all around the globe are captivated by this evolving creative medium, which has become a flourishing industry.

📜 International Animation Day History

In 1888, Reynaud patented the Théâtre Optique, a machine that used mirrors, lanterns, and a projector to create pictures on a screen. The pictures were painted on a long band that had to be manually turned using spools. Reynaud, who had expertise in operating the spools, was responsible for running the machine.

The Théâtre Optique featured three animations, each lasting about 15 minutes and consisting of 500 to 600 individually painted graphics. Reynaud acted as the projectionist, accompanied by a pianist, while side actors provided the dialogue. Over the course of its run until 1900, the performances were seen by half a million people.

However, as animation techniques advanced, a new style called “lumière style” emerged, replacing hand-drawn graphics with realistic photos. This more contemporary approach appealed to audiences, and their interest in the Grévin Museum presentations waned. Reynaud, who had given 12,800 performances, struggled to adapt to the changing preferences and eventually became disappointed and broke. In 1913, he destroyed the last Théâtre Optique machine with a hammer and threw most of his paintings into the Seine.

✅ International Animation Day Facts

🔖 Festivals benefited from print promotion
ASIFA played a crucial role in promoting animation festivals by creating and publishing the first magazines solely dedicated to animation in French, English, and Russian languages.

🔖 The first was founded in France
ASIFA organized the inaugural international animation festival in Annecy, France, in 1960. Over the years, this festival has gained significant prominence and now serves as a crucial gathering for over 100,000 individuals employed in the global animation industry.

🔖 Festivals warmed the Cold War
During the Cold War, AsIFA organized film festivals in Eastern Europe with the aim of using animation to bring together and mend the divide between the East and the West.

👍 Why Is International Animation Day Important

Even when we become older, we may still enjoy cartoons. They provided us with a little respite from adulthood.

Cartoons have traditionally made excellent babysitters. They generate laughter, which produces those feel-good endorphins, and aid in cognitive and linguistic development in children.

You may see work from different nations as a smart adult consumer of animation. Even when handling ordinary human issues, animation may give a glimpse into various cultures and habits.

🙂 How To Observe International Animation Day

⚡ Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

⚡ Watch cartoons
Experience the nostalgia of your younger years by watching these iconic animated movies: “Bambi” (1942), “Lady and the Tramp” (1955), “Aladdin” (1992), “Spirited Away” (2004), “Frozen” (2013), and many more. Alternatively, you can relish in the joy of your childhood by chanting “Moose and Squirrel!” as you indulge in episodes of “Rocky and Bullwinkle” on YouTube.

⚡ Try your own claymation
Pay tribute to the Simpsons, who received a Hollywood star in 2000. Their show is now the longest-running scripted TV show in the United States. It has been on the air since 1989.

📅 When is International Animation Day?

Explore all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Arts & Entertainment and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about International Animation Day. So be sure to check back soon.