World Festival of Animated Film Varna (Световният фестивал на анимационния филм Варна)

World Festival of Animated Film Varna

Световният фестивал на анимационния филм Варна

Also known as: WFAF Varna, СФАФ Варна
📝 Sign up as a festival representative to manage this page!

Short, student and feature animation share the programme of the World Festival of Animated Film Varna, alongside children’s films, experimental work and thematic retrospectives. Based at the Festival and Congress Centre in Varna, Bulgaria, the festival pairs international screenings with masterclasses, animation exhibitions, conversations with filmmakers and hands-on stop-motion workshops for children.

The festival dates back to 1979 and is organised by the World Festival of Animated Film Association and the Festival and Congress Centre Varna. Its competition includes dedicated Bulgarian, horror and erotic animation categories as well as short, feature, student and children’s films. The dates for the 2026 edition are 2–6 September 2026.

Country

Bulgaria

Focus

Animation

Categories

Animation, Feature, Short, Student

Awards and prizes

The festival presents a Grand Prix and awards for short, feature, student, children’s, Bulgarian, horror and erotic animated films. Special mentions may also be awarded. The category receiving the Grand Prix does not receive a separate Best Film award; the international jury may withhold awards.

Festival rules

The 2026 regulations accept films completed after 1 January 2024 that have not competed in previous editions. All animation techniques are eligible, including live-action combinations with at least 50% animation. Short, student, children’s, Bulgarian, horror and erotic films must run 1–25 minutes; feature films must exceed 45 minutes. Entries are submitted through FilmFreeway. English subtitles are required for dialogue or narration in other languages. Selected films receive no screening fee. Participation grants up to five non-commercial screenings and one national television broadcast; additional uses require rights-holder permission. Children’s entries also enter WFAF Kids Burgas 2026 and authorise Bulgarian dubbing. Full technical, delivery and rights requirements appear in the official regulations.

Contacts

✏️ Edit this page!