If you were late to every single screening at this year's festival, you might not have caught the OIAF 06 Signal Film. Even if you've already seen it, this kaleidoscope of animation techniques demands repeat viewings. Kudos to directors Nathaniel Akin and Bruce Alcock, as well as the rest of the team at Global Mechanic.

This year Bruce Alcock and the team at Global Mechanic produced our Signal Film (check it out exclusively in Ottawa Sept. 20-24). For now, here's their making of video. Enjoy!

To honor our 30th anniversary we will be presenting some of our past Signal Films (the official festival trailers played before each screening). The SAFO 03 Signal Film was directed by Nick Cross, one of Ottawa’s most talented animators. He has directed two films, The Red Scarf and Tea for Two and is currently working on his latest short film The Waif of Persephone.

A pioneer in the Canadian independent animation scene from 1964 to 1987, John Straiton’s technically innovative films explore depictions of psychology, sexuality and myth. Special thanks to Madi Piller and TAIS for providing this interview excerpt.

Canadian animator John Straiton was asked to “comment on the use of animation in this field, as applied to North American, and his own, experience.” Originally published in the Ottawa 76 festival program.

To honor our 30th anniversary we will be presenting some of our past Signal Films (the official festival trailers played before each screening). For the OIAF 02 signal film entitled "Scratch Track," renowned camera-less animator Richard Reeves directs an animated orchestra exploring the relationship between sound and image.

Beginning in 1976, the OIAF has celebrated those who have contributed to the world of animation. There was no better choice in '76 than animation legend Norman McLaren. These selected drawings were originally printed in the Ottawa 76 program book.

To honor our 30th anniversary we will be presenting some of our past Signal Films (the official festival trailers played before each screening). The first is last year's multi-narrative Signal Film written and directed by Will Krause. Created by a team of New York Indie animators, the film features nine animated characters as they travel to the main Festival venue, the National Arts Centre of Canada.