ABOUT Open World
Open World Animation Festival launched in March 2016 as a series of DIY screenings focused on celebrating the art of animation. Films from around the world, comprising of a diversity of styles, mediums & perspectives were featured. The films on display were ones that blurred the lines of what animation is and what it could be.
The event was created & hosted by the Alternative Gallery at their Cigar Factory location in Allentown, PA. The concept for the event originated due to a lack of movie theaters and general access to film & animation in the Lehigh Valley.
After a great response to the 2016 screenings and requests for more, the 2017 event has grown into a 4-day film festival where films will compete for awards & prizes. This is very much a festival focused on the art of animation, with the awards aspect being added to help creators keep on creating.
Hundreds of films cover a wide array of styles including stop motion, film cel, digital & computer animation, claymation, 3D, experimental, GIF, mixed live action/animation, music videos, video game cutscenes & more!
Anyone is welcome to take part!
For more info on how to submit please click HERE.
For more info on the Alternative Gallery please click HERE.
To contact us, please click HERE.
the alternative gallery
The Alternative Gallery is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization focused on using arts & education to enact positive social change. It was founded in 2012 in Allentown, PA as a DIY outsider art space and is currently house in a converted turn of the century cigar factory. Since its inception, the organization has expanded into several performance spaces, galleries, art studios, classrooms, workshops & more.
Every Sunday features an open mic showcasing stand-up comedy, live music, poetry & performances. You can read more about Social Medium HERE.
Every September the Alternative Gallery hosts a 3-day outdoor festival called Allentown ArtsFest.
Allentown ArtsFest is a taste of everything we do at the Alternative Gallery every day, all year long, jam-packed into one FREE three-day festival at the beautiful Cedar Beach Park. With three stages of ongoing local music of all genres, tons of activities for the kids, a skate park, giant graffiti murals, comedy and improv sets, breakdancing competitions, dozens of artists with work on display and for sale, delicious local food, craft beer, wine and mead; there truly is something for everyone to love about ArtsFest.
You can read more about ArtsFest HERE.
The gallery also hosts film screenings, children's classes, a monthly open house, and live music from around the world. It is also run 100% by the dedication of volunteers.
In 2016, the AG launched Open World Animation Festival.
You can learn more about the Alternative Gallery HERE.
HISTORY
The festival began in 2016 as a series of independent animation screenings from around the world, curated in a 4-day celebration of the medium. Open World is organized by the Alternative Gallery, a non-profit community art space, and is run 100% by volunteers.
animator reviews
"Amazing and cool festival, I was amazed at the quality of the other works. Excellent comunication." — Juan Vargas
"Nice genuine animation festival organized by true animation lovers! It was a pleasure being part of it! Thanks! " — Sara Taigher
"Amazing festival! Really loved to see so many unique points of view through animation from all over the world! Great Job :) " — Phoebe Parsons
"Super good communication and lineup, even during a pandemic! I will be submitting again for sure! " — Michaela Wadzinski