In 2002, ASIFA, the International Animated Film Association, launched a global event to celebrate the art of animation. October 28th was proclaimed as International Animation Day (IAD), commemorating the first public performance of Emile Reynaud's Theatre Optique at the Grevin Museum in Paris in 1892.

Each year, ASIFA groups around the world celebrate International Animation Day. In 2005 37 different countries in all the continents celebrated this day. The various ASIFA groups celebrate IAD by screening animated films, organizing workshops, exhibiting artwork and stills, providing technical demonstrations, and helping to promote the art of animation.

In India, IAD has been celebrated every year since 2002 in various cities around the country. What started out as a small celebration has now blossomed into a must-attend event for all Indian artists and has the support and sponsorship of multiple organizations throughout India. Since 2005, IAD in India has been jointly organized by ASIFA India and TASI (The Animation Society of India) and together the two organizations have joined forces to help ensure the success of this event.

In 2006, the main IAD celebrations in India will be hosted in Mumbai. Several other cities around the country will also simultaneously host smaller meetings where animation films will be screened and the animation community can get together and celebrate!

About ASIFA India: http://www.asifa.in
ASIFA India is the local chapter of ASIFA which is an international non-profit organization devoted to developing the art of animation and for providing a platform of interaction for animators from across the globe. ASIFA India has been active in the Indian animation community for over 5 years and has been recognized by Indian artists for its tireless efforts in fostering the animation community and addressing the needs of our nascent industry.

About TASI: http://www.tasionline.org
TASI is a non-profit voluntary body that provides a platform for exchange of creative and technical information within the art and animation fraternity with a view to improving the Indian talent base. It encourages growth by educating and guiding prospective artists in India. The society is committed to mobilise and fully utilise funds towards achieving this objective. Since 2001 TASI has hosted a series of events in various cities including full day workshops and interactive sessions in various mediums and genres by leading professionals and studios. TASI hosts a minimum of one interactive session every month.