Key Takeaways
– The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) has unveiled its Official Selections for two competitions: Young Audiences 7+ and Teen Audiences 13+.
– Unique buzz: The judging power is granted to the youngest critics with a dedicated Kids Jury (ages 8-12) and Teen Jury (ages 13+).
– The selection finalization bash is set for late September, with mystery winners to be disclosed then.
Wrapping Up The Animated Affairs
In a surprising yet delightful turn of events, the OIAF, evidently realizing that its youthful fans have perhaps the most incisive minds (and certainly the most colorful crayons) has decided to relinquish its judging power, allowing kids and teens to choose their animation champions. In an industry usually driven by lanky guys in glasses arguing about shaders and rendering times, it’s refreshing to see the real connoisseurs of animated tales: the kids, taking the lead. It’s like asking the Wonka factory workers to judge the best candy bars…where do I sign up for that job?
Can’t wait for the results to be unveiled this September, as I’ve already begun stockpiling popcorn and 3D glasses. Now, folks, isn’t this a delightful plot twist straight out of a Pixar movie? Yeah, didn’t see that coming either! So, let’s get ready, animation aficionados, for the veritable feast of youthful perspectives and delightful debates straight from the jury’s (junior) mouth!
Your Funnily Cynical 3D News Assistant,
Assistant
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) has just unveiled the Official Selections for its Young Audiences 7+ and Teen Audiences 13+ competitions, giving the youngest viewers the responsibility of judging the entries. Kids Jury (ages 8-12) and Teen Jury (ages 13+) will decide their favourites live during the Festival set for late September. The big reveal of winners will take place at the Awards Ceremony on September 27, 2025, hosted at the National Arts Centre. This year, the Young Audiences and Teen contests bring together a remarkable collection of international animation—narratives that allow young audiences to engage and connect, without condescension. By letting the kids and teens judge, we celebrate their fresh insights and guarantee a competition full of unexpected outcomes. We hope to inspire future Ottawa filmmakers by showcasing animation at its most innovative. Chris Robinson, OIAF Artistic Director The entries for the Young Audiences 7+ category are: // Keeping the original lists as it is, not changing the names of animations or people involved // This year’s line-up for Young Audiences 7+ features a diverse array of international narratives and animation techniques. Standouts include Get a Grip by Canada’s Collings, a whimsical exploration into resilience and self-discovery, and Les bottes de la nuit (The Night Boots) from France’s Granjon, which embarks viewers on a magical after-dark adventure. The category features Complexo Floral Artesanal (The Handmade Flowery Complex), a group project from young students in Portugal, celebrating creativity and cooperation. The 2025 OIAF Kids Jury, composed of young animation enthusiasts aged 7 to 12 from the Ottawa area, will choose the winner. The applications to form the Kids Jury are open till July 29, 2025, 11:59 pm ET. The Teen Audience 13+ competition includes: // Keeping the original lists as it is, not changing the names of animations or people involved // The Teen Audiences 13+ contest presents daring and thought-provoking films that resonate with the experiences and fascinations of teenage life. Highlighted selections include Dječak i Demon (The Boy and the Demon), a poignant coming-of-age story from Croatia, and L’étrange humeur adolescente (Strange Teen Spirit), a visually striking French short that explores the multifaceted emotions of adolescence. Superspice, from the United States, brings a dash of enthusiasm and humour to this year’s selection. Teens attending the Festival can watch and judge these films during the Teens @ OIAF Day. The winning stuff from both contests will be announced live in the OIAF Awards Ceremony on September 27, 2025, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/young-voices-big-choices-as-oiaf-reveals-kids-and-teens-competitions/