Al-Mustaqbal University hosted the opening of the sixth edition of the Babylon Animation Film Festival on Sunday, October 11, 2026, under the university’s patronage and the supervision of its President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi. The event brought together Arab and international artistic and cultural participants, including Dr. Ali Al-Shallah, Director of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts, alongside a distinguished group of artists, writers, intellectuals, and cinema enthusiasts. The festival also featured films from Iraq and several Arab and foreign countries, including Egypt, Russia, the Republic of Tatarstan, Ukraine, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Palestine, and the Sultanate of Oman. The festival’s activities will continue over two days at the university. The opening ceremony began with the Iraqi national anthem, followed by a speech on behalf of Al-Mustaqbal University’s presidency, delivered by Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, representing the university president. In his address, he welcomed the guests, participating delegations, and artists, expressing the university’s pride in hosting this artistic and cultural event. He also emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting creativity and hosting events that enrich cultural and cinematic activities while fostering communication and the exchange of expertise between Iraqi creators and their counterparts from Arab and international countries. In his address during the opening ceremony, the festival’s president, Prof. Dr. Amer Sabah Al-Marzouk, highlighted the importance of the Babylon Animation Film Festival in supporting animation arts and providing a creative platform for exchanging artistic experiences and perspectives. He also emphasized its role in encouraging filmmakers to produce works that contribute to the development of animation and strengthen its presence in the cultural landscape. The morning session featured 14 films from Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco. The evening programme includes a panel discussion entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Animation Filmmaking,” in addition to screenings of 17 participating films. The programme brings together cinematic screenings and intellectual discussions on the technological and artistic transformations shaping the animation industry. The opening ceremony also featured the honoring of Al-Mustaqbal University and the President of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts in recognition of their efforts to support cultural and artistic activities and contribute to the success of creative events and initiatives. The festival’s second day is scheduled to include a book-signing ceremony and cinematic screenings celebrating Egyptian animation schools, marking 90 years of Arab animation cinema. The programme will also feature the honoring of participants and festival committees, the reading of the closing statement, the announcement of the results, and the presentation of awards. Al-Mustaqbal University’s patronage of this festival reflects its commitment to supporting culture and the arts, nurturing creative talent, strengthening cultural partnerships, and fostering openness to Arab and international cinematic experiences. These efforts contribute to highlighting the cultural identity of Babylon Governorate and reinforcing its position as a hub of creativity and a beacon of the arts. Al-Mustaqbal University – First University in Iraq