International Animation Film Festival Nikozi 2026

The International Animation Film Festival Nikozi is a non-competitive, community-driven cultural initiative held annually in Nikozi, Georgia, a village located in a post-conflict region along the administrative boundary line.Founded in 2011, the festival was created as a response to the social and cultural challenges following the 2008 war. It aims to foster dialogue, resilience, and social cohesion through contemporary art and education.The festival provides an open and inclusive platform for international and local artists, with a particular focus on animation as a powerful medium for storytelling, empathy, and intercultural exchange. All activities are free of charge, ensuring accessibility for local communities, including children, youth, and vulnerable groups.The programme combines film screenings, educational workshops, artist residencies, exhibitions, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Strong emphasis is placed on informal education and capacity-building, particularly through its partnership with the St. Alexandre Okropiridze Art School.Nikozi Festival actively contributes to cultural decentralisation by bringing high-quality international art practices to a rural context, while also supporting emerging voices from the region.In 2026, the festival will host its next edition, continuing to expand its international network and strengthen its role as a platform for peace-building, artistic innovation, and community engagement in Eastern Europe.