Submissions Now Open : 30th Anniversary Edition, May 27-30, with Belgium as Guest Country
Three decades of storytelling and the promotion of digital creativity have shaped the history of animation in Italy and built the international prestige of a Rai award recognizing excellence in the field. Cartoons on the Bay – International Animation and Transmedia Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special edition scheduled from May 27 to 30, 2026. Once again, the event will be hosted in the historic Aurum building, along with key venues throughout the city of Pescara. This year’s guest country is Belgium.
The Festival is promoted by Rai and organized by Rai Com in collaboration with the Abruzzo Region and the Municipality of Pescara. Starting this year, artistic direction has been entrusted to cultural journalist Adriano Monti Buzzetti. At the heart of the event are the Pulcinella Awards, featuring a wide range of categories including Preschool TV Show (2-4), Upper Preschool TV Show (4-6), Kids TV Show (7-11), Youth TV Show (11+), Interactive Animation, Short Film, and Feature Film. All competing works will be selected and judged by two international juries.
Submissions are officially open from February 16 to March 16 via the “Call for Entry” page on the official website: www.cartoonsbay.rai.it. A comprehensive program of events is currently in development, designed to engage the animation industry, emerging Italian talents, schools, families, and the wider audience of Pescara, the Abruzzo region, and animation enthusiasts worldwide. Artistic Director Adriano Monti Buzzetti notes that this 30th edition pays tribute to the history and identity of a festival rooted in the great traditions of Italian and international animation, while simultaneously looking toward the future with a renewed vision. From this perspective, the anniversary marks a new beginning, an opportunity to reach new audiences and strengthen dialogue around technological and creative innovation. The goal is for the festival to increasingly serve as a strategic meeting place for industry professionals, authors, emerging talents, and young viewers alike. Ultimately, Cartoons on the Bay stands as a vibrant, forward-looking platform where the images and narratives of tomorrow are created.