SPECIAL GUESTS & VISITING ANIMATORS

This year, MIAF is thrilled to announce that we have been able to invite some fantastic international and Australian guests to help introduce the programs and ignite active discussions about current directions in local & international animation.

Andy & Amy Collen - USA
Fabulous husband & wife animating team of 'Winter' (screening in program 6)
Now with the studio Happy Trails Animation in Portland, Oregan, we are thrilled to have the talented Andy (Producer/Director) & Amy (Art Director) join our illustrious judging team.
www.happytrailsanimation.com

Andrew Hagan - Wagga Wagga, Australia
Associate Lecturer in Mutlimedia, Charles Sturt University
Passionate supporter of creative animation and sensational annual host of a 'mini-MIAF' in rural Australia, Andrew brings a fresh, enthusiastic set of eyes to the MIAF judging panel!

Steve Hoban - Canada
Producer of Academy Award winner 'Ryan' (screening in 'Ryan:The Whole Picture' & program 1)
With the mammoth interest 'Ryan' has gathered since winning the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, we're very fortunate to have Steve come all this way to introduce ''Ryan: The Whole Picture' and participate on the judging panel for the Australian Panorama program (see Aus Pan program details)

Leslie Iwerks - USA
Gifted filmmaker & granddaughter of Ub Iwerks (animator of Mickey Mouse).
We are honoured to announce that the very generous Leslie Iwerks has accepted our invitation and is bringing with her a rare treat for Melbourne audiences. She is introducing her masterful feature film 'The Man Behind The Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story', as well as Iwerks' classic short films collection (see program details).

Kathy Smith - USA
Chair & Associate Professor, DADA, University of Southern California
Kathy has curated Student Program 4 (see program details) which highlights works from the first 10 years of DADA (Division of Animation & Digital Arts). Kathy is attending MIAF05 to conclude the student festival by introducing her program AND to announce the Best Student Film of MIAF05!

John Lewis - Australia
Wagga Wagga based animator steeped in a love of traditional animation and very open to job offers! His film The Birdhouse is no to be missed! (screening in International Prog 1 & Australian Panorama)

Steven Whittle - UK
'Shadows and Reflections' (screening in Kids' sessions) is British animator Steven Whittle's first film after 5 years of freelancing - and he's made the special trek to MIAF to show this gorgeous three minute gem for the kids.