On February 7, 2024, RAFA celebrates its 12th anniversary!

On February 7, 2024, Russian Animated Film Association celebrates its 12th anniversary!

The impetus for the creation of a professional industrial association was given at a meeting of leading representatives of the animation industry with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2011. RAFA was registered on February 7, 2012.

The Association has become not only an organization uniting animation studios, TV channels, production companies, licensing agencies and educational institutions, but also a pillar and driver of the development of the animation film industry. The cohesion of the Association’s members has had an invaluable impact on the process of formation of an industry that did not exist 10 years ago!

Among the goals of RAFA are to attract public and private investments in the industry, participate in legislative initiatives for the development of the industry, increase the level of training of professional personnel, promote the material and technical re-equipment of studios, and promote the achievements of domestic animation in Russia and abroad.

RAFA pays special attention to interaction with the state. Over the past 12 years, many important issues of industry support have been resolved by ministries and departments, primarily specialized ones – the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Cinema Foundation. A registry of animation companies has been created, two packages of tax benefits have been implemented, and industrial professional standards have been introduced.

By decree of President Vladimir Putin, the Day of Russian Animation was approved, which received the status of a state holiday, which is celebrated on April 8 – the day of the premiere of the first Russian animated film.

In 2023 Vladimir Putin instructed to ensure the possibility of full state financing of full-length animated films. Work continues to reduce the tax burden on the industry. The President’s instructions also concern manufacturers of goods and services that use licenses for domestic images from children’s literature, cinema and animation, as well as pressing issues of import substitution of software.

The Animation Film Association is optimistic about the future. The schedule of official and industry events for 2024 is constantly being updated. We are open to cooperation and want to share the positive attitude and joy of exploring the endless animation worlds with colleagues, friends and partners.