If you’re into animation for any reason, you won’t want to miss the fifth biennial Kalamazoo Animation Festival International! KAFI 2009 will be filled with film screenings, speakers, workshops, events, and activities for the animation professional, student, enthusiast or family entertainment - for people like you!

Although the Call for Entries for this year’s festival is closed, you’ll want to view the KAFI Finalists in the Commissioned, Student, Independent, and Web Animation categories. They, along with a collection of other unique and unusual films, will be screened at the historic State Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo. With $15,000 in prize money at stake, you’re guaranteed to see some of the best that animation has to offer. Also being shown are the final results of the collaborative efforts of the 10 participating Cartoon Challenge™ Teams - students from across the country competing for top honors and scholarship money.

In addition, the campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Center for New Media will be the home of educational forums, recruiting and networking events, and panel presentations for the animation instructor and student. Special child-friendly family events are also scheduled throughout the weekend, as is the famous Network Picnic.

KAFI 2009 is taking place May 14 - 17, and promises to be a lively and educational festival with something for everyone! Check out the rest of the website for details on the events, guest speakers, and activities, and then come and join us for a great time in Kalamazoo!