International Animation Day (IAD) is annually observed across the globe on October 28 to commemorate the birth of animation, the first public performance of projected moving images at Emile Reynaud’s Theatre Optique in Paris (France) on the 28th of October 1892.
- 28th October 2024 marks the observance of the 23rd IAD.
- The day is annually coordinated and promoted by the Association Internationale du Film Animation (ASIFA).
Background:
i.In 2002, the Association Internationale du Film Animation (ASIFA) decided to observe the 28th October of every year as International Animation Day (IAD) to commemorate the birth of Animation.
ii.The first public performance of projected moving images by Emile Reynaud’s Theatre Optique in Paris, on the 28th October 1892 was considered the Birth of Animation.
- The first IAD was observed on 28 October 2002.
Theatre Optique:
i.The Praxinoscope was an animation device invented by Charles-Émile Reynaud (French Inventor) in France in 1877.It helped in creating moving images.
- Reynaud later developed the Théâtre Optique (Optical Theatre) based on the praxinoscope.
ii.The Théâtre Optique was patented in 1888. It was used commercially at the Musée Grévin in Paris, in 1892.
iii.The Theatre Optique machine produced images on a screen using 36 mirrors,2 magic lanterns or supplementary lights that were the source of a stationery background, and a projector.
First Show Using Theatre Optique:
i.On October 28, 1892, Charles-Émile Reynaud exhibited animations consisting of loops of about 500 frames, using his Theatre Optiques system at the Musée Grévin in Paris, France.
ii.The show, billed as Pantomimes Lumineuses, included 3 cartoons, Pauvre Pierrot, Un bon bock, and Le Clown et ses chiens, each consisting of 500 to 600 individually painted images and lasting about 15 minutes.
2024 IAD Poster:
i.Since 2002, ASIFA has been celebrating the IAD with a unique poster designed by many prestigious animators from countries all over the world to represent this international event.
ii.The 2024 IAD poster was designed by the legendary animator Bill Plympton of the United States of America (USA).
ASIFA Prize:
i.Since 1985 ASIFA has been awarded a prize for outstanding achievements in the art of animation.
ii.The ASIFA Prize is awarded annually to an individual(s) or organization(s) which have made a significant and Innovative contribution towards the promotion and preservation of the art of animation.
Association Internationale du Film Animation (ASIFA):
It operates under the umbrella of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to unite the animation world in peace by trying to find ways for animators.
President- Deanna Morse
Founded- 1960
Headquarters– Annecy, France
