BANJALUKA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE FROM OCTOBER 23 TO 28

Banja Luka, the largest city in the Republic of Srpska, will host the Banjaluka 2026 International Animation Film Festival from October 23 to 28, bringing together filmmakers from around the world and offering a rich competitive and accompanying programme.

A total of 692 films from 61 countries across all continents were submitted for this year's festival. The final selection includes 115 films in the competitive and accompanying programmes.

OSCAR-WINNING ANIMATOR MICHAEL DUDOK DE WIT TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The festival's special guest will be renowned Dutch animator and Academy Award winner Michael Dudok de Wit, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Audiences will have the opportunity to watch two of his acclaimed works, Father and Daughter and The Red Turtle, as well as attend a masterclass led by the celebrated filmmaker.

The programme will also feature a major retrospective of films by Vuk Jevremović, who will lead a masterclass dedicated to combining different animation techniques.

COMPETITION FEATURING FILMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The main competition programme includes 41 films by professional filmmakers. The student competition will showcase works from leading animation schools in Poland, France, Canada, Croatia and other countries.

A children's competition, divided into two age categories, will also be part of the festival, alongside three panorama programmes offering audiences an even broader selection of animated films.

SCREENINGS AND EVENTS ACROSS SEVERAL VENUES

The main festival programme will take place at Cineplexx Palas and the Student Cultural Centre of the University of Banja Luka. Additional events will be organised at Kuća Milanovića, while selected programmes will also be presented to audiences in Han Pijesak and Petrovac–Drinić.

Admission to all festival events and screenings will be free of charge, giving animation enthusiasts, families, students and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a diverse international programme.

With films from dozens of countries, acclaimed international guests and educational activities, the Banjaluka 2026 International Animation Film Festival will once again bring the world of animation to audiences in the Republic of Srpska.