The theme of the 19th Fest Anča International Animation Festival is FAKE. As Slovakia’s only Oscar® Qualifying festival, this year’s programme will explore the relationship between truth and fiction, facts and myths. Audiences can look forward to a great selection of animated films, accompanied by a diverse range of events for both children and adults. The festival runs from June 30 to July 5 in Žilina. Tickets for these six unforgettable days of animation are on sale NOW.
Does life imitate art or art imitate life?
Fest Anča’s selection of themes reflects both contemporary animation and today’s world. With the growing number of AI-generated films, the spread of conspiracy theories and fake news, and feelings of disillusionment and imposter syndrome, the line between reality and fiction is becoming increasingly blurred. Fake is no longer just a copy or imitation – instead, it is assuming its own life as a parallel reality.
The FAKE theme will be explored across curated sections, feature films, retrospectives, and the accompanying programme.
“We aim to examine fake as deception and illusion, with a very real and often dangerous impact on a world shaped by chaos, conflict, and authoritarian tendencies. Yet ‘fake’ can also act as a mirror or gateway to versions of ourselves that we have yet to explore. Fiction and imagination can sometimes reveal more about us than reality,” observes Jakub Spevák, Fest Anča’s programme director.
Loch Ness, Illuminati and Mirage
Our 2026 festival’s visual identity was created by graphic designer Marek Menke, who received the Trnava Poster Triennial Award for his Fest Anča 2024 poster. His distinctive style returns with a vibrant palette inspired by Salvador Dalí – one of the most frequently forged artists in the world – combined with bold typography and symbolic imagery.
“This year’s visual is a journey through a surreal world combining fiction and illusion. It’s a portal to the other side of the flat Earth, where truth bends and new myths emerge. Step through this mirage to encounter the Loch Ness monster, the Illuminati, fruit made of wax, and UFOs – all under the watchful eye of Big Brother,” adds Marek Menke.
Early bird tickets are now available at cinepass.sk. You can purchase full festival passes for €35, with discounted tickets for students and visitors with disabilities for €20 until June 7. Entry is free for children under 12, while accompanying adults can purchase tickets for €3–5. Festival-goers can also book a spot in the on-site camping area.
Visitors can also enjoy concerts, parties, workshops, discussions, and exhibitions. The festival will also host the Student Forum with participation from 16 international schools, as well as the Slovak Industry Day dedicated to the local animation scene.
From June 30, venues across Žilina – such as the New Synagogue, Žilina-Záriečie Station Cultural Centre, Žilina Town Theatre, Rosenfeld Palace, Artforum bookstore, Sterio Kino, and the University of Žilina – will become thriving cinematic hubs for Slovak and international animation.
Does originality still exist? Or are we living through an endless loop of copies and imitations? Join us in exploring this question, and follow our latest updates on our website, Facebook and Instagram.
See you in Žilina!
Partners and Supporters
The 19th edition of the Fest Anča International Animation Festival 2026 is financially supported by the Audiovisual Fund, the LITA Fund, and the SPP Foundation.
Organiser
ANČA Civic Society
Co-organisers
Town of Žilina
Žilina-Záriečie Station
New Synagogue
Žilina Town Theatre
University of Žilina
Main partners
The festival is financially supported by the Audiovisual Fund
Animation Festival Network
Creative Europe Media
DELL
ViewSonic
