The 13th International Festival of Animated Films has opened in Nikozi. The festival is dedicated to the 1,700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia and involves participants from 24 countries. A total of 85 animated films will be presented during the event.
The Ministry of Culture of Georgia shared glimpses of the event on its official Facebook Page on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The Ministry also shared a small note about the event along with the highlights.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mikheil Kiknadze, First Deputy Minister of Culture; Tea Akhvlediani, State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality; the Metropolitan Bishop of Nikozi and Tskhinvali; Mamuka Bliadze, Director of the National Cinematography Center; Hideki Ishizuka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Georgia; and representatives of the local municipality.
“Cultural events hold special significance in the village of Nikozi, located near the occupation line. This year’s festival, featuring participants from 24 countries, is particularly notable as it is dedicated to the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being declared the state religion in Georgia. I wish success to all participants and extend my special thanks to the organizers.
The Nikozi International Animated Film Festival is an initiative worthy of support and development; therefore, the Ministry of Culture and the National Cinematography Center of Georgia are permanent supporters of the festival,” said Mikheil Kiknadze, First Deputy Minister of Culture. The “Nikozi” Animation Film Festival was founded in 2011 in the village of Nikozi, at the initiative of Metropolitan Isaia of Nikozi and Tskhinvali.
Its aim is to showcase compelling works of global animation, facilitate meetings between artists from various countries, foster the exchange of experience, and deepen intercultural dialogue.
In addition to animated film screenings, the festival program features children’s activities, exhibitions, seminars, masterclasses, meetings with artists, and musical and choreographic events.
The festival is supported by the Patriarchate of Georgia, the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, the Georgian National Film Center, Gori Municipality City Hall, Caucasus International University, and the Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia. The festival is organized by the St. Alexander Okropiridze Art School of Nikozi.
