ASIFA Elects New International Executive Board (2025-2028)

ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) has elected a new leadership team to guide the association for the next three years. Founded in France in 1960, chartered under UNESCO, ASIFA is the world’s oldest and largest international animation organization. With Norman McLaren as its first President, the founders envisioned a world of peace and dialogue to settle our differences, with the art of animation serving as a bridge between different cultures and ideologies.

The ASIFA International is an umbrella organization that links the many vibrant chapters around the world, which have their own activities, festivals, workshops, and animation resources. The main goal of ASIFA, national or international, is to celebrate the art of animation through various forms. Today, ASIFA continues that legacy through its network of vibrant national chapters that organize festivals, workshops, educational initiatives, and community projects celebrating the art of animation in all its forms.

ASIFA celebrated 2025 with a number of activities

New ASIFA Executive Board (2025–2028)

Anastasia Dimitra, President, Greece
Deanna Morse, Vice President, USA
Johnchill Li, Vice President, China
Annegret Richter, Vice President, Germany
Mohamed Ghazala, Vice President, Egypt
Stefan Stratil, Treasurer, Austria
Agnes Li, Secretary General, China/Canada

ASIFA has several long-standing projects, including the International Animation Day (marking October 28 as birth of animation), the ASIFA Prize (honoring people who are central to the art of animation), ASIFA Workshop Group (artist animators who work with children around the globe each year to make a film with a common theme), and several publications 

More Executive Positions:

• Nelson Shin, Auditor, Korea
• Briana Yarhouse, President of ASIFA Workshop Group, USA
• Saraswathi Buyyala, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, India
• João Apolinário, Director of International Animation Day, Portugal
• Nancy DenneytiPhelps, ASIFA Prize Director, Belgium
• Corrie Francis Parks, Director of Technical Operations, USA
• Thomas Renoldner, Director of News and Information, Austria
• Iza Cracco AWG Treasurer, Belgium
• Alkistis Tsikou AWG Secretary, Greece

“My vision is to make ASIFA more visible, more connected, and more impactful worldwide. We aim to strengthen collaboration among chapters, connect with other animation associations and movements, and work closely with the industry to advocate for animators’ rights in all regions. At the same time, we will embrace new technologies, including AI, responsibly and creatively, ensuring they serve artists rather than replace them.Together, we will continue to honor ASIFA’s founding mission: to use the art of animation as a bridge between cultures and a voice for peace, creativity, and understanding - Anastasia Dimitra, ASIFA President

Anastasia Dimitra is an animation director, educator, and producer. Since 1985, she has served as director and art director for numerous animated projects, authored several publications on animation, and participated as a juror at international festivals.

Agnes Li has been an active member of ASIFA since 2005, dedicated to promoting global collaboration and cultural exchange in animation. With a background in international coproductions and digital innovation, she has facilitated knowledge exchange across borders and served as ASIFA Prize Director for eight years, enhancing the association’s global profile at major festivals such as Annecy and Zagreb.

Visit the ASIFA website, asifa.net

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