Italy’s animation festival Cartoons on the Bay has announced the lineup for its 28th edition, which takes place May 29 to June 2 in the scenic town of Pescara. Among the animation luminaries slated to appear at the 2024 edition are Disney icon John Musker, Leslie Iwerks, Juanio Guardino and Sara Pichelli.
This year’s post was created by illustrator and cartoonist Silvia Ziche and features her character Lucrezia. Over 300 animated projects from 50 countries will compete for the prestigious Pulcinealla Awards at the event. The general theme for the festival this year is “sports,” and Spain is designated as the guest nation, in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes. Piazza della Rinascita will host concerts by Antonella Ruggiero, Emanuela Pacotto, and the Ensemble of the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia will perform some of the most famous themes from animated series over the past few decades.
The event will also feature the national premiere of Thomas Cailley’s film The Animal Kingdom, winner of five César awards. Promoted by Rai and organized by Rai Com, with artistic direction by Roberto Genovesi, Cartoons On The Bay is held in collaboration with the Abruzzo Region, the Municipality of Pescara, and the Minister for Sport and Youth through the Department for Sport.
Meetings with the great masters of animation, showcasing their art and projects, will be the focus of the professional program. Cartoons on the Bay is ready to celebrate the 40-year animation career of director John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), who will receive the Pulcinella Award for Career Achievement. The talents of director and producer Leslie Iwerks (Recycled Life) and cartoonist Juanjo Guarnido (Blacksad) will both be honored with the Pulcinella Special Award. Sara Pichelli, one of the most acclaimed Italian comic book artists globally, will receive the Sergio Bonelli Award. SPA Studios (Spain) will be the recipient of the Studio of the Year Award.
A special exhibit titled Stefano Bessoni. Stop-motion e altre scienze inesatte, will be open to the public from May 30 to June 1, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The festival will also feature the mascots of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tina and Milo.
For more details, visit cartoonsbay.rai.it/en/cartoons-on-the-bay
