Armenian animation: The Hidden Gems of the Animation Film Industry

When you think of Armenia and Armenian animation, what comes to mind? For many, the name of this country might seem unfamiliar. Located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Republic of Armenia lies in the mountainous region of the South Caucasus and boasts a rich history.

Despite its small population of approximately three million, Armenia has a profound foundation and a rich history in the cultural and artistic fields, particularly in animation. This is evident from the fact that the first animated film in Armenia was produced as early as 1937. Over 87 years, Armenian animation has developed its own unique style—primarily characterized by short films where the focus is on a sharp plot and vibrant folk humor. The expressive means include masterfully crafted drawings that vividly reflect national color.These elements not only enhance the visual and auditory appeal of Armenian animated works but also deeply imprint them with national identity, making Armenian culture a unique banner on the global art stage.

Armenian animated short film《The dog and the cat》（Lev Atamanov, 1938，remade in 1955）

A key figure in this tradition was director Robert Sahakyants. Born in the 1950s, he began his directing career in 1972. Sahakyants not only carried forward the legacy of the 1950s and 60s professionals but also passed this vision to the current generation. He dedicated his entire life to the art of Armenian animation until his death in 2009. In recognition of his contributions, Sahakyants was awarded the title of "Honored Artist of Armenia" in 2008, a distinction that not only acknowledged his personal achievements but also celebrated the accomplishments of Armenian animation as a whole.

Armenian animated short film《The lesson》（Robert Sahakyants, 1987）

Today, animation has become the most developed and widespread form of cinema in Armenia. For a small country with a population of 3 million, the presence of various animation studios, which work in different directions, is quite impressive. Most of these studios (11 in total) specialize in 3D animation. Many operate as outsourcing companies, providing animation services mainly for Russian series and, more recently, for European films. These studios have achieved significant success in the international market, showcasing Armenia's technical expertise and creative potential in animation. Additionally, 2D animation is traditionally strong, with 4 studios dedicated to this style, preserving the vitality of this classic art form. However, relatively new fields for the Armenian animation studios, include stop motion and VR, which have successfully integrated into the Armenian animation landscape and now compete with traditional 2D and 3D studios. Some of these studios, along with pure production companies, create their own auteur films.

Armenian animated short film《JAZZ fool around》, produced by art step-studio

The primary source of funding for these projects is the Armenian Cinema Fund. The fund holds a competition twice a year and finances the production of 5-6 short films, each with a budget of 30-35 thousand euros. Although full-length animation is theoretically eligible for funding, it is so expensive and time-consuming to produce that it is only created in rare instances.

Logo of CINEMA FOUNDATION OF ARMENIA

Although Armenia may be an unfamiliar name to many, its animation art is a treasure worth exploring and appreciating. Whether it is the depth of its history or the uniqueness of its artistic style, Armenian animation has become a dazzling gem in the global animation industry. In the following articles, we will continue to explore this little-known animation kingdom.