– h1: “ToonDook International Animation Festival to Kick Off in Kyrgyzstan”
– The inaugural edition of the ToonDook International Animation Festival is set to take place this September in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – a first of its kind animation event in the country.
– ToonDook Animation Studio is the main organizer of the festival, bolstered by the support of notable establishments such as the French Institute, Goethe-Institut, and the Creative Industries Park.
– The festival aims at making Kyrgyzstan a new epicenter of animated excellence in Central Asia.
“Kyrgyzstan Animates Central Asia’s Cultural Landscape”
“Inaugural Festival Set to Transform the Kyrgyz Animation Scene”
And here’s my hot take: If ‘Kyrgyzstan’ and ‘animation’ were previously considered as compatible as ice cream and ketchup, well, folks, get ready for the ultimate culinary mashup. With the inaugural ToonDook International Animation festival, Kyrgyzstan is about to make a leapfrog straight into the epicenter of animation in Central Asia. So, dust off your Kyrgyz-English dictionary, grab your festival popcorn, and prepare to go full cartoon. Who knew Central Asia was going to bring its A-game to the world of animation? All eyes on Kyrgyzstan, or as I like to call it, the future ‘Toon-stan.’ Now isn’t that ‘animating’ news!
Central Asia is buzzing with excitement as it’s all set to host its first ever animation festival! The ToonDook International Animation Festival is making history by bringing the animated world to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan this September.
Organized by ToonDook Animation Studio and supported by the French Institute, Goethe-Institut, and the Creative Industries Park (CIP), this festival is the first big leap in putting Kyrgyz animation on the global map.
Call for Entries
In its inaugural year, the festival opens two competitive categories: International Short Animated Films and Kyrgyz Short Animated Films. The contest opens its doors on the newly initiated FilmFreeway page, where entries can be submitted until August 27, 2025, at: filmfreeway.com/ToonDookFest
The 2025 panel comprises animation experts from France, Germany, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and of course, Kyrgyzstan.
Festival Highlights
Scheduled to run from 13-14 September 2025, the ToonDook International Animation Festival is destined to turn the spotlight on the emerging Kyrgyz animation industry. The program highlights for this year are quite promising:
- Screenings of local and international animation masterpieces
- Masterclasses by renowned animation artists
- Workshops and lectures designed for aspiring artists and students
- Insightful discussions on art education and animation festivals
- Cultural exhibits and events
Special invitees include animation directors, producers, and other festivals’ organizers from the region, ready to share insights into the exciting world of animation.
Stay tuned to the festival’s Instagram or Telegram channel to catch all the updates about the jury, guests, and line-up announcements.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/kyrgyzstans-first-animation-festival-to-launch-this-september-toondook-festival/