“Get Ready for a Latvian Animation Takeover at ELAC’s 10th Anniversary Festival!”
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of animation at the ELAC International Animation Day Festival, happening on Saturday, May 17 at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). This year’s event is extra special as it celebrates the animation scene in Latvia—a country known for its rich history and groundbreaking contributions to the world of animated storytelling.
Let’s take a closer look at the exciting lineup, the legendary Latvian creators being spotlighted, and why this year’s ELAC Animation Day is not to be missed!
A Global Celebration of Animation
Now in its 10th anniversary, the ELAC International Animation Day Festival has become a cornerstone for animation lovers worldwide. The goal? To give audiences a fun, engaging introduction to contemporary international animation. This year, the festival zooms in on Latvia—a country whose animation scene is bubbling with creativity and innovation.
Expect screenings of short animated films from around the globe, in-depth analyses, and Q&A sessions with some of the top animation experts in the field. Oh, and did we mention the incredible tribute to a legendary animator working in the U.S. animation industry? Yeah, this festival has it all.
Latvian Animation Spotlight
The day’s festivities kick off at 10:00 AM, with Vladimir Leschiov, a Latvian animation director and historian, honoring the late Roze Stiebra, known as the “Mother of Latvian Animation.” In her memory, the festival will screen her short film Zakisu Pirtina (Hare’s Bathroom)—a playful yet profound peek into the unique storytelling style that defined her career.
At 10:15 AM, Leschiov continues the tribute by introducing Flow, the Golden Globe and Oscar-winning Latvian animated feature film directed by Gints Zilbalodis. The screening will give you a chance to see why this film captured the attention of animation lovers worldwide.
A Slice of Animation and Pizza
By 12:30 PM, it’s time for a little refreshment break—pizza and salad will be served during the reception. So grab a slice, chat about the films, and get ready for the afternoon screenings.
The Latvian Film Feast
At 1:15 PM, it’s time for a true feast for animation fans. 72 minutes of short animated films from Latvia will be screened, introduced by none other than Vladimir Leschiov himself. If you’ve never seen the magic of Latvian animation, this is your chance to witness some of the most cutting-edge, culturally rich work the world has to offer.
Animation Experts Take the Stage
At 2:30 PM, a panel of experts will dive deep into the films and answer questions from the audience. The panel includes:
Vladimir Leschiov (Latvian animation legend)
John Garrett Andrews (Director of the Los Angeles Animation Film Festival)
Sarah Baisley (former Editor-in-Chief of Animation Magazine)
Rosa Farre (VFX technical director, animator, and educator)
Mike Libonaty (Animation industry pro)
This is your chance to ask the burning questions you’ve always had about animation and to hear firsthand from the masters of the craft.
Spotlight on Signe Baumane
At 3:00 PM, get ready for an in-depth spotlight on Signe Baumane, a Latvian animation artist known for her emotionally intense short film Birth. Baumane will discuss the creation of her work, followed by a screening of the film that’s left audiences around the world in awe.
Tribute to Vladimir Leschiov
The day wraps up with a special tribute to Vladimir Leschiov, who has made lasting contributions to the animation industry. John Garrett Andrews will introduce Leschiov, followed by a screening of his short film Wings and Oars. To top it all off, Bijan Tehrani, director of the International Animation Day, will present CWB’s Bridging The Borders Award to Leschiov for his groundbreaking work.
Where to Go & How to Get There
The festival will take place at East Los Angeles College, located at 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA. All screenings will be held at the Building S1 Screening Room 112, and parking will be available at Structure 4. The best way to get to parking is by using the address 2138 Collegian Ave. for easy access to both parking and the screening room.
To reserve your spot for this exciting event, simply email rsvpanim@gmail.com—and you’re all set to celebrate animation like never before!
Final Thoughts: An Animation Fan’s Dream Day
Whether you’re an animation aficionado or a casual fan, ELAC International Animation Day promises to be an unforgettable experience. With a deep dive into Latvian animation, thought-provoking screenings, expert panels, and a tribute to an animation legend, this is a festival that no fan of the craft should miss.
