The producers of the Conscious Cartoons International Animation Festival, which starts September 14-16 on Vashon Island, Washington, are calling it the first of its kind worldwide. Conscious Cartoons will feature three days of animated shorts – many of them award winning – from around the world with socially conscious, humanist themes. The festival includes something for everyone, from kids to adults. The goal is to harness the power of animation to inspire compassion and provide insights into the human condition in ways that live action media often fails to do.
Conscious Cartoons offers a unique weekend escape for cinephiles, artists, families and adventurous tourists, alike. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet animators from around the world and see films from India, Egypt, France, and other far-flung locales while enjoying food and drink from Vashon Island businesses. The schedule also encourages visitors to get out and explore the island between screenings.
Along with promoting greater awareness of social issues, the festival will award independent animators cash prizes – totaling more than $20,000 total – in multiple categories, including a $5,000 award for Best Children’s Film, sponsored by Seattle’s Committee for Children.
The Conscious Cartoons International Animation Festival will take place at the Vashon Theatre, which is a short ferry ride (10 to 20 minutes) from both Seattle and Tacoma.
Conscious Cartoons is founded by animator Bill Jarcho who said, “Conscious Cartoons was born as an urgent call-to-action to help counter the racism, xenophobia, and moral decay evident in our society today. This festival aims to awaken insight, justice, and compassion through the uniquely transcendent medium of animation.”
The festival features eight curated programs. Visit the festival's Programs Page to learn more about each.