Upcoming Anima film festival to spotlight Irish animation amid Belgian and international screenings

The Brussels International Animation Film Festival Anima returns to the Belgian capital for its 45th edition from 20 February to 1 March, with organisers highlighting record participation and a strong international programme.

At a press conference at Flagey on Tuesday, organisers of the popular movie event, said Anima 2026 had received more than 1,850 film submissions, the highest number in its history.

From these entries, nearly 300 animated films have been selected for the programme, spanning features, short films, student work and children’s movies. Screenings will take place across 163 sessions in Brussels and other parts of Belgium, alongside exhibitions, talks and industry events.

This year’s edition includes international and national competitions for both short and feature length films, with prizes awarded by juries, partners and audiences. Special attention is also given to Belgian animation, student films, animation for children and LGBTQ+ films. In addition to Queer Evenings, another cult event is Nuit Animée, which returns for an all-night cinematic marathon at Flagey, as well as cinemas in Wallonia and Brussels.

Anima 2026 will feature a dedicated Irish focus, reflecting Ireland’s growing reputation in contemporary animation and its presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026. It includes a curated selection of professional Irish animation, films from Irish schools and a special screening of Wolfwalkers, a 2020 indie animation fantasy by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart.

On the international front, Anima also has important works from around the globe including To Gaza with Love, a series of short films about Palestine.

The festival opens with the 2025 drama La mort n’existe pas (Death Doest Not Exist) by Quebec director Félix Dufour-Laperrière on 20 February.

Last year, Anima welcomed 41,000 spectators, and is hoping to go beyond that figure this year. With its expanded programme and international outlook, the 2026 edition aims to reaffirm Brussels position as a major hub for film in Europe and has become recognised by both the Oscars and BAFTA’s in recent years. The festival is sure to be an eyeopener for any film buff or animation enthusiast.

Screenings are at Flagey, Marni and Cinematek in Brussels, as well as cinemas in Flanders and Wallonia.