Launched in 2018, the Tampa Animation Festival brought together some of the most astounding animations from around the world. After a hiatus, we’re thrilled to relaunch in November 2025, spotlighting diverse animated shorts, features, and cutting-edge techniques. Join us for screenings, panels, and industry networking as we bring the festival back to its vibrant, creative roots—where storytellers and fans unite to celebrate the art of animation.

Awards & Prizes

Best Animated Short
Best Animated Feature
Best Experimental Animation
Best Student Animation
Best Animated Pilot Episode
Audience Choice Award
Made in Florida Award
Best of the Festival

Rules & Terms

WHAT WE ACCEPT:

Vimeo links are preferred (password protected, please). YouTube private links are acceptable. While we accept FilmFreeway submissions, we also encourage direct platform-independent submissions.


Foreign Language Films: Must have English subtitles.

Premieres: We value exceptional animation regardless of premiere status, but a Tampa Animation Festival premiere enhances your film’s programming prospects, especially for features. We’re passionate about bringing fresh content to our audience. If your work has already been screened in Tampa, you’re welcome to submit it – please be open about previous local and Florida screenings. Shorts receive more flexibility as outstanding animation deserves multiple audiences.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

* DCP for screening (Need help creating one? We offer assistance for a nominal fee)
* All aspect ratios supported
* 5.1 Surround sound compatible
* 2K or 4K accepted
* Backup ProRes file (ProRes 422 HQ preferred)
* Closed captions (Support available if needed)
* High-quality promotional stills required (Film frames preferred over production photos)

* 16mm films will also be accepted. If applying with a 16mm final format, please submit a digital screener via Vimeo (with password) or YouTube private link.

CATEGORIES & FEES

About Categories: Animation defies simple categorization. You can select all relevant categories for your work. We celebrate pieces that challenge conventional boundaries.

Length Classifications: According to industry standards, features are over 40 minutes long, and shorts are 40 minutes or less (including credits).


Animation Criteria: We’re seeking films in which movement and characters are created with 2D or 3D digital animation software, hand-drawn, stop-motion, clay, and cut-out, cameraless, or a hybrid animation technique of any of the above. If your movie is predominantly animated, could you submit it as animation? For mixed-technique pieces, please submit and put your approach in the submission notes.


SUBMISSION DEADLINES & FEES:

Submission for all categories is free until the Early Bird Deadline: July 7th, 2025

Early Bird: July 7, 2025
Regular: August 1, 2025
Late: September 1, 2025
Extended: September 22, 2025
Notification Date: October 3, 2025
Event Dates: November 6th – 9th, 2025

Fees are listed per category. International submission fees are listed in US dollars.


WAIVERS

* Previous festival participants receive complimentary submission (Email hello@tampanimation.com with your last screened film for submission code)

* Financial hardship considerations available upon request

* Waivers provided for filmmakers from countries under economic sanctions or in conflict zones whose work aligns with our animation focus.


TECH & SHIPPING

* Shipping to festival: Filmmaker’s responsibility
* Return shipping provided via FedEx or US Mail
* Digital transfers accepted via secure file sharing services
* Advance notification required for special shipping arrangements
* Clear labeling essential on all materials


MATERIAL SECURITY

* Submission materials and links restricted to programming team access
* Contact information and links kept confidential unless consent given

CONTINGENCY PROTOCOL: HURRICANES +

The festival will be held from November 6 to 9, 2025, at the Charlene Gordon Theater on the University of Tampa campus. In case of schedule/venue changes, hurricanes, or unforeseen technical issues, participants will receive immediate notification with complete transparency and will reschedule dates as soon as possible.