On Sunday May 19th, ASIFA-East will hold their 44th annual animation awards ceremony. As part of a large international organization with an almost excessive history, the East-coast/NYC chapter encourages animators of all backgrounds to submit their films, but only card-carrying paid members can vote. [Only $35 a year and all the free life-drawing classes you want, gee whiz what a bargain!]
All of our members are very friendly and very critical, and take their voting seriously. I believe we have a great responsibility in picking the best films across the categories of Independent, Commissioned, Student, and Experimental films. There are also awards for best writing, design, and animation. They will represent the philosophy and art-style of our ASIFA chapter, as the winning animations will be screened across the country, and possibly the world.
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In 2013 New York, ASIFA-East has changed drastically from its once clear and obvious purpose to connect with animators beyond the borders of the USA and beyond the Iron-Curtain. The Internet has brought us together in much more efficient and wonderful ways. But the reason I joined ASIFA-East was different, and more personal. I wanted to hang out with people who animated. Ever since I was a college freshmen, ASIFA-East has been a great place to make new friends who enjoy the same great interest. Sharing videos across social media platforms is one thing, but sitting, laughing, and drinking with people you can touch is another.
That being said, we will present this year’s winners at the Tishman Auditorium (66 W12th St, NYC) on May 19th, at 6:00pm. The free ceremony will be followed by a reception with open bar and free food for all, but we would love it if non-members could make a $5 donation. BatteryPop has already made a generous donation, and is one of our new sponsors. At 11:30pm, there will be an after-party at Fiddlesticks Pub (56 Greenwich Ave, NYC).
ASIFA-East is a large, nebulous guild, run by volunteers. We provide a wide audience and untapped potential to anyone looking to join the wider animation community. Why not stop by this May?
~ Tristian Goik
ASIFA-East Blogger and Event-Coordinator, animator, and artist
