The eighth edition of the International Festival of Animated Films AniFest 2009 will take place in two locations, Třeboň and Teplice, from 1 to 4 May and 7 to 10 May 2009 respectively.

The portion in Třeboň will feature the international competition of short and feature-length films and the competition of Czech animated films that were made within the past two years.

Teplice will host the international competitions of student films, school films and commissioned films (i.e. commercials, video clips, series, etc.)

All visitors are assured that regardless of whether they come to Třeboň or Teplice, they will not miss any competition films since the collections will be screened in both towns. Audience competitions will be announced both in Třeboň and in Teplice.

This is year’s edition of AniFest is being held while the Czech Republic is presiding over the Council of the European Union, and with the approval by the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic, it was placed on the official list of accompanying cultural events. AniFest is held under the auspices of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Culture, Václav Jehlička, Karel Schwarzenberg, the Minister of Education, Ondřej Liška, , the President of the Ustí nad Labem Region, Jana Vaňhová, the President of the South Bohemia Region, Jiří Zimola, and representatives from both towns in which festival will take place – the Mayor of Třeboň, Jan Váňa, and the Mayor of the City of Teplice, Jaroslav Kubera.

AniFest 2009 has undergone dramatic changes: new management, a new team and a clearly defined objective – to expand the festival’s audience, prepare high quality screenings, guarantee enough seats in cinemas for everyone, bring animated films closer to young viewers, introduce filmmakers, films and animation and new animation routes.
Although the festival is probably the best known, it is only one of AniFest s. r. o.’s projects. The festival is merely the icing on the cake and the culmination of a year’s hard work. It is a place where dozens of hours of film screenings, seminars, workshops, discussions and meetings occur, and a place where new contacts and friendships are established.
The decision to expand AniFest into Teplice was made after long discussions and weighing all the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and worries.
Teplice is a town in the middle of a large region near Ústí nad Labem. It has a university with an arts faculty with appropriate equipment and premises for accompanying events. In addition, there is a beautiful spa park, a theatre and a cultural house within walking distance, cheap food and accommodation, hospitable people and services.

We are convinced that by expanding into two locations, AniFest will not lose any of its attractiveness, but on the contrary, it will appeal to more visitors, young animators and new fans …
AniFest 2009 has set off to new destinations; the journey has been a challenge and getting there has not been without risks in today’s economically unstable world.
AniFest 09 will be different, but I hope that everybody will fall in love with the park and restaurant terrace in Teplice, just like they love the square in Třeboň. I believe that the cinemas in both locations will be full and visitors will enjoy a great atmosphere that includes VIP guests, festival backpackers and typical child audiences.
After seven years, AniFest has launched a new phase and is like a first grader. All of us will do our best to be proud of our report card in May.

Barbara Tůmová, Managing Director, AniFest s.r.o., and Project Manager for AniFest 09