Tampa Animation Festival
Also known as: TAF
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Free public screenings at the University of Tampa are central to the Tampa Animation Festival, which presents animated shorts and features from the United States and abroad. Its programmes distinguish professional and student work and include stop motion, animated documentaries, comedy, horror, family films and a Homegrown selection of Florida shorts. Panels, workshops and portfolio reviews complement the screenings.
The festival dates back to 2018 and is supported by Film Tampa Bay and the university’s College of Arts and Letters and Department of Film, Animation and New Media. The 2026 edition runs from 5–8 November at the Charlene Gordon Theatre in the university’s Ferman Center for the Arts.
Country
United States (USA)
Focus
Animation
Categories
Animation, Feature, Short, Student
Dates
5 November 2026 — 8 November 2026
Awards and prizes
The festival’s awards are supported by Toon Boom.
Festival rules
The festival accepts predominantly animated films using digital 2D or 3D, hand-drawn, stop-motion, clay, cut-out, cameraless or hybrid techniques. Shorts are 40 minutes or less including credits; features exceed 40 minutes. Non-English dialogue requires English subtitles. Previous local and Florida screenings must be disclosed; a premiere is preferred but is not an absolute requirement.
Submissions may use FilmFreeway or direct screener links. Selected films must be delivered as downloadable digital files; the festival creates its own cinema DCPs. Preferred masters are ProRes 422 HQ or DNxHR at 1080p or 4K, progressive, at 24, 25 or 30 frames per second, with 48 kHz, 24-bit audio. MP4 is also accepted. English subtitles may be burned in or provided as SRT. Promotional film stills are required.
Financial hardship waivers and waivers for eligible filmmakers in sanctioned countries or conflict zones are available on request. Submission materials and contact information are restricted to the programming team unless permission is given. Participants are notified of changes caused by hurricanes or technical problems.
Contacts
- tampaanimationfestival.com
- hello@tampaanimationfestival.com — Festival enquiries and film delivery
- filmfreeway.com — Film submissions