PLATFORM International Animation Festival June 25, 2007

The United States needed a major animation event, so we made the PLATFORM International Animation Festival. PLATFORM will debut June 25-30, 2007 in beautiful Portland, Oregon.

PLATFORM is a brand new kind of festival. Besides being an international competition with CASH PRIZES, we're breaking the boundaries into other art forms: comics, illustration, character and toy design, motion graphics, gallery art and live action cinema will all have a place here.

We want the Festival to be a literal PLATFORM for artists, innovations, debate and discussion and for exploring new developments in animation. Whether the animation was done for theaters or cell phones or the side of a building, if it is brilliant and interesting, we will show it. This is an important period for animation. The rapid growth of technology changes the possibilities of our craft every day. We want you to be able to find new answers and new opportunities with the best of the industry.

Portland is the perfect place for the Festival. The city has its own thriving animation community and is a center for filmmaking, comics and indie music. Plus, Portland has amazing restaurants and microbreweries. The PLATFORM Festival will be centered in Antoinette Hatfield Hall at the PORTLAND CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. The PCPA has state-of-the-art theaters, a restaurant, two bars and plenty of spaces for meeting and talking. You can even update your site or check in with your email using the Festival's free wi-fi system. The Center's adjoining street will be closed off to traffic and turned into an outdoor terrace bar and cafe for Festival attendees.

The INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION is open to films under 40 minutes (with no minimum running time) and there is NO ENTRY FEE. Directors with films in competition will be provided with complimentary accommodation, meal allowances and Festival passes. Renowned international judges will give awards in categories covering commercial and independent films, student animation and films for new platforms, including cell phones and the internet. CLICK HERE for competition categories.

PLATFORM is pleased to announce an innovative competition section for the up and coming art form of animated installations, which explore the uses of animation in environments from art galleries and warehouses to outdoor public spaces. This section of the Festival will be concentrated in the reclaimed industrial neighborhood of the Pearl. A late evening walking tour will be among the events marking the gala opening of the Installation exhibits.

The PLATFORM program features premieres and retrospectives, rare screenings, guest speakers, exhibitions, workshops with leading artists, parties, a picnic and plenty of opportunities for meeting new friends and likeminded artists. There will be something for everyone, from animation professionals to students of all levels to the general public.

Official Website: http://www.platformfestival.com/