Al-Mustaqbal University hosted the opening of the 6th Babylon Animation Film Festival on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at its campus in Babylon Governorate. The two-day festival featured films from several Arab and foreign countries. The opening was attended by Dr. Ali Al-Shalah, Director of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts, along with a number of artists, writers, intellectuals, and cinema enthusiasts.
The opening ceremony began with the Iraqi national anthem, followed by a speech on behalf of the University President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majid, delivered by Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision. The speech highlighted the importance of supporting artistic and cultural activities and hosting events that encourage communication among creators from Iraq and participating countries.
Prof. Dr. Amer Sabah Al-Marzouk, President of the Festival, also delivered a speech on the importance of animation cinema and its role in providing filmmakers with opportunities to exchange artistic experiences and ideas.
The morning session featured 14 films from Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco. The evening session included a panel discussion entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Animation Filmmaking,” followed by screenings of 17 participating films.
During the opening ceremony, Al-Mustaqbal University and the Director of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts were honored. The second day of the festival includes a book-signing event, film screenings celebrating Egyptian animation studios on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Arab animation cinema, recognition of participants and festival committees, the closing statement, and the announcement of results and award distribution.