Under the patronage of the University of Al-Mustaqbal and the supervision of its President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Magdy, the sixth edition of the Babylon Animation Film Festival commenced on Sunday, October 11, 2026, on the university campus. The festival runs for two days and is attended by Dr. Ali Al-Shalah, Director of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts, alongside a distinguished group of artists, writers, intellectuals, and cinema enthusiasts. The festival features animated films from 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, reflecting the cultural and artistic diversity that characterizes this cinematic event. The opening ceremony began with the Iraqi national anthem, followed by a speech on behalf of the University of Al-Mustaqbal, delivered by Professor Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, representing the university president, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Magdy. In his address, he welcomed the distinguished guests, participating delegations, artists, and writers, expressing the university’s pride in hosting this artistic and cultural event. He also emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting creativity and hosting activities that contribute to promoting cultural and cinematic movements, strengthening communication, and fostering cooperation among creative professionals from Iraq and other Arab and foreign countries. The opening ceremony also featured a speech by the festival’s president, Professor Dr. Amer Sabah Al-Marzouk, who highlighted the importance of the festival in supporting animation cinema and providing filmmakers with opportunities to exchange artistic experiences and expertise, as well as encouraging creative talent and developing this cinematic genre. The morning session featured screenings of 14 films from Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco. The evening session includes an intellectual seminar entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Animation Film Production,” alongside screenings of 17 participating films. These activities provide an opportunity for discussion about technological developments and their role in advancing the animation industry. The opening ceremony also included a recognition ceremony honoring the University of Al-Mustaqbal and the Director of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts in appreciation of their efforts in supporting cultural and artistic activities and contributing to the success of creative events. The festival’s activities are scheduled to continue on the second day with a book-signing event and film screenings celebrating Egyptian animation schools, marking the 90th anniversary of Arab animation cinema. The program will also include honoring participants and festival committee members, reading the final statement, announcing the results, and presenting the awards. The University of Al-Mustaqbal’s sponsorship of this festival reaffirms its role in supporting cultural and artistic activities, hosting creative initiatives, and strengthening communication among artists, intellectuals, and filmmakers. These efforts contribute to consolidating Babil Governorate’s position as a beacon of culture and the arts while enhancing the university’s presence in Iraq’s Arab and international cultural and creative landscape Al-Mustaqbal University Ranks First Among Private Universities in Iraq
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