Event Description:

The Sudan International Animation Film Festival – Apedemak is Sudan’s first dedicated international animation film festival, established in 2023 to champion animation as an independent art form, expand its cultural and artistic presence in Sudan, and build meaningful connections between Sudanese filmmakers and the wider international animation community.

Named after Apedemak, an ancient Sudanese deity associated with the civilization of Kush, the festival draws inspiration from Sudan’s deep cultural heritage and its enduring capacity for creativity, imagination, and renewal. Its vision extends beyond the screen: animation is understood not merely as entertainment, but as a language of artistic expression, cultural memory, social reflection, and dialogue across generations and borders.

Following the outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023, the festival continued its activities in Cairo, sustaining its commitment to Sudanese animation and creating a space in which Sudanese, African, Arab, and international artists can meet through moving images and shared creative experiences.

Through film screenings, awards, educational activities, workshops, and international cultural exchange, Apedemak seeks to discover and support emerging talent, encourage artistic experimentation, promote animation education, and preserve and reinterpret Sudanese and African cultural heritage. It also aspires to strengthen the visibility of African animation internationally and foster collaborations that can help independent artists and the animation sector grow despite difficult circumstances.

2027 Sudan International Animation Festival - Apedemak Coverage

The fifth edition of Apedemak Sudan International Animation Film Festival is scheduled for April 2027 in Cairo, Egypt. Further information about the festival programme, official selection, and submission procedures will be announced through the festival’s official communication channels.

Apedemak presents six annual awards recognizing outstanding films across a range of artistic and thematic categories. These include Best Film, the Audience Award, and awards dedicated to Children, Women, Freedom, and Democracy.

Through these awards, the festival seeks not only to recognize artistic excellence but also to encourage filmmakers to explore meaningful human experiences and engage with questions of dignity, equality, freedom, and democratic values.

2027 Sudan International Animation Festival - Apedemak Call for Entries

Eligibility:

• All submissions must be animated in any form of animation.
• Films must be short, with a runtime of under 40 minutes.
• Films must have been produced after January 1, 2024.

Awards:

• The Lion Apedemak Award — Best Film in the Festival
• Kesha Award — Best Film in the Peace and Human Rights Category
• DUDO Award — Best Film in the Children’s Rights Category
• Set Al-Nafour Award — Best Film in the Women’s Rights Category
• Shuwair — Special Jury Commendation Award
  Audience Award

Important Information:

• Submission Form
• Deadline: 25 February 2027