Imaginaria

Imaginaria – International Festival of Auteur Animation Cinema is one of Italy's longest-running festivals dedicated to animated film as an artistic and cultural expression. Founded in 2003 and held annually in the historic centre of Conversano (Apulia, southern Italy), Imaginaria presents its 23rd edition from 16 to 23 August 2026. The festival is organised by Atalante ETS, a non-profit cultural association registered in the national Third Sector Register (RUNTS). Imaginaria is built on the conviction that animation is not a genre but a language — one capable of addressing the full range of human experience with the same ambition and complexity as any other cinematic form. The 2026 edition unfolds across eight days of screenings, events, and encounters in the open-air venues of Conversano's historic centre. The programme includes four competitive sections: International Short Films, Music Videos, Graduation Films, and Children's Short Films. Alongside the competition, Imaginaria presents retrospectives, thematic programmes, masterclasses, and work-in-progress presentations that bring filmmakers and audiences into direct dialogue. A defining feature of Imaginaria is its commitment to geographic and cultural diversity. Each edition actively curates works from underrepresented regions and emerging animation traditions, with particular attention to films that challenge mainstream production models. The festival is a platform for independent auteur voices from across the world. Imaginaria also functions as a professional hub: it connects students, emerging filmmakers, distributors, and cultural institutions through dedicated industry activities. Educational workshops and film literacy initiatives extend the festival's reach to schools and local communities, making animation accessible beyond specialist audiences. The location itself is central to the festival's identity. Conversano — a small medieval town in the Puglia region — provides a unique backdrop that combines cultural heritage with vibrant community engagement. The festival's presence in the town contributes directly to local cultural life and positions southern Italy as an active participant in the international independent animation circuit. Imaginaria is a member of ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d'Animation) and maintains long-standing collaborations with animation schools, cultural institutes, and festivals worldwide.