Animaze 2026 Unveils Programme Highlights And First Animation in AI Forum
Skwigly
The Montreal International Animation Festival (Animaze) today revealed major programming highlights for its 13th edition, taking place September 17–19, 2026 in Montreal. This year’s festival brings together international premieres, industry masterclasses, and a new area of focus exploring the role of AI in animation, as the festival continues to champion artist-driven storytelling.
Programming Highlights
Animaze 2026 will bring together acclaimed guests, international premieres, emerging talent, and industry events celebrating the art of animation. This year’s highlights include:
- Opening Cocktail Reception (Thursday, September 17)
- International Premieres and Official Competition Screenings
- International Student Showcase featuring outstanding films from leading universities and animation schools around the world
- Bill Plympton Masterclass with the Academy Award-nominated animation legend
- Johnnie Semerad Masterclass with the Emmy-nominated director and creative innovator
- Artist First: From Pencil to Pixels to AI (subject to confirmation) — a conversation with Johnnie Semerad exploring how new tools and technologies, including AI, are shaping the future of animation storytelling
- Filmmaker Q&As
- Industry Networking
- Animaze Awards Ceremony & Closing Night Celebration (Saturday, September 19)
Additional films, guests, and special events, including full details on Animaze’s expanded AI programming, will be announced as the official lineup is finalized.
Animaze has always been an artist-driven festival, and that remains true as we explore how new technologies like AI can support creativity and storytelling rather than replace it. Bringing Johnnie Semerad back this year to help lead that conversation lets us open the door to these ideas thoughtfully, with artists at the centre.
Laurie Gordon, Festival Director, Animaze Festival
Semerad returns to Animaze for a masterclass and a conversation on the evolving relationship between traditional animation and emerging tools, continuing a dialogue he began with the festival in past editions.