Animation Block Party Unveils 2016 Program

The 13th annual Animation Block Party is returning to Brooklyn July 28-31, and organizers have revealed the full programming lineup for this year’s celebration of animated artistry. (And details of the can’t-miss after-parties Friday and Saturday night!)

The event kicks off Thursday evening at Brookfield Place, with doors opening at 6:30. Following some live music, the free outdoor Opening Night screening begins at 8:45 and offers a diverse compilation of extraordinary shorts from around the world. APB Opening Night at Rooftop Films is presented by Arts Brookfield.

Friday, BAMcinématek (located in the Peter Sharp Building) hosts four programs: The 2pm slot offers a screening of NY Animated Ads, a selection of rare cartoon commercials from 1929 to the present day produced by the likes of Hubley, Terrytoons, Jack Zanders and Fleischer, curated by J.J. Sedelmaier. At 4:30, there will be a screening of Narrative Works, Studio Shorts and Local Films. 7pm show features Student Films and Independent Animators. And at 9pm, there will be a 30th Anniversary screening of Transformers: The Movie in 35mm.

Saturday’s BAMcinématek schedule begins at 2pm with Animation for Kids, a fresh family-friendly collection of student and indie shorts (plus some Sesame Street pieces) — this program repeats Sunday at 2. At 4:30, join cartoon historians Jerry Beck and Tommy Stathes for a look at the film preservation process, screenings of new digital restorations of films from Max Fleischer and Bray Studios, and a Q&A. 7pm’s International Shorts Program is the first installment of unique, top-quality films from across the globe. Saturday’s 9pm feature screening marks the 15th anniversary of Hajime Yatate’s space Western, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie.

And on Sunday, BAMcinématek repeats the Animation for Kids matinee at 2pm, followed by The Pink Panther Collection at 4:30 — a selection of classic shorts spanning two decades of the kitty’s adventures from Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, introduced by Jerry Beck. At 7pm, the global contemporary animation tour continues with International Shorts Program Two. And the festival wraps up Sunday night at 9 with Experimental Films, Graphic Design and Music Videos.

Toy Ride