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Union Internationale de la Marionnette

Non-Governmental Organization affiliated to UNESCO

International Festivals Commission

Last updated: 24-05-2023

Initiated in 2000 at the UNIMA Congress in Magdeburg, the International Festivals Commission supports networking between festivals around the world. The IFC disseminates information, encourages collaborations and stimulates discussion on current trends, aesthetics and the development of the art.

Objectives

  • Develop and consolidate networking between festivals from around the world

  • Stimulate discussion on the development of the art and encourage emerging artists

  • Build links with Centers and presenters devoted to puppetry arts

  • Communicate the IFC projects on the UNIMA website

  • Offer a space for reflection on the responsibilities of festivals

Activities – programs

  • Update and promote of the UNIMA Directory of International Festivals
  • Update and promote PASSPORT : Festivals Hosting Puppeteers Program
  • Presentation of the IFC on September23, 2021 at the UNIMA Space of the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes de Charleville-Mézières
  • Organize an Open Meeting of the International Festivals Commission on November 4, 2021 : “Festivals in the numeric age”
  • Support the developpemnt of a Nordic Countries Festivals Network and the organization a meeting in Norway on January 27 to 30, 2022
  • Organize a 4th International Festival Directors Meeting in May 2024 around the theme of “Green Festivals” 

Upcoming events

Past events

Last news of the Commission

UNIMA International at the World Festival of Puppet Theatres in Charleville-Mézières

France, International Festivals, National Centers, News, Notices - 17/07/2025

UNIMA International at the World Festival of Puppet Theatres in Charleville-Mézièresfrom 21 to 27 September   Happy Apero! UNIMA’s international aperitifs From 21 to 26 September 5pm > 7pm At the Maison des Ailleurs WELCOME! UNIMA International invites you to the Maison des Ailleurs (n°28). All week long, from 5 to 7 p.m., come meet […]

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OPEN CALL for Artists – Celluloid Golem Puppet Art Festival – Germany

Germany, International Festivals, News, Notices - 11/07/2025

OPEN CALL for Artists – Celluloid Golem Puppet Art Festival 2nd Celluloid Golem Puppet Art Festival Düsseldorf, Germany | May 7-10, 2026 including a group exhibition May 3 – June 28, 2026 The Celluloid Golem Puppet Art Festival is thrilled to invite filmmakers, visual artists, and theater makers to submit their innovative work!We’re celebrating the […]

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31. Internstional Festival of Puppetry Art – Bielsko-Biała, Poland

International Festivals, News, Notices, Poland - 29/06/2025

The International Festival of Puppetry Art has been organised since 1966. During the Festival performances of puppet theatre, theatre of form, theatre of object, visual theatre and dance theatre are presented, distinguished by their high artistic value. The Festival invites performances by institutional and non-institutional theatres, as well as theatre schools from Poland and abroad, […]

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PuppetOscope 2.0 at the India International Centre, New Delhi

India, International Festivals, News, Notices - 29/03/2025

PuppetOscope 2.0: A Celebration of Global Puppet Cinema and Performance PuppetOscope is an exciting international puppet film festival organized by the Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, a renowned Delhi-based puppet theatre group. Over the years, Katkatha has brought together talented artists from across the globe, not only for its innovative puppet theatre productions but also for […]

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CALL FOR PASSPORTS – International Festivals Commission

International Festivals, National Centers, News, Notices - 19/02/2025

CALL FOR PASSPORTS Dear Festival Directors, The INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS COMMISSION is calling for new PASSPORTS for 2025 and 2026. The PASSPORT program aims to help young UNIMA puppeteers or puppetry students, both UNIMA and non-UNIMA members, to attend puppet festivals and increase their knowledge of the organization and programming of an international event. The success of […]

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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS OF PUPPET AND CHILDREN’S PERFORMANCES FOR THE 30TH REVIEW OF THE PUPPET THEATRES IN RIJEKA, CROATIA

Croatia, International Festivals, News, Notices - 18/02/2025

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS OF PUPPET AND CHILDREN’S PERFORMANCES FOR THE 30TH REVIEW OF THE PUPPET THEATRES IN RIJEKA, CROATIA Rijeka City Puppet Theatre, Croatia is delighted to announce that the jubilee 30th Review of Puppet Theatres will be held from November 3rd to 11th, 2025, in Rijeka, Croatia. This festival aims to showcase exceptional puppet […]

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The Ellen Van Volkenburg Puppetry Symposium Series – Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival

International Festivals, News, Notices, Research, United States - 4/01/2025

The Ellen Van Volkenburg Puppetry Symposium Conversations on Puppetry with the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival’s Ellen Van Volkenburg Puppetry Symposium Series We hope you had a relaxing and joyful holiday season! As we step into the new year, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Ellen Van Volkenburg Puppetry Symposium Series at […]

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Open Call: 19th International Puppet Festival The Golden Dolphin, Bulgaria

Bulgaria, Europe, International Festivals, News, Notices - 20/12/2024

Open Call for Applications for participation in the competition programme of the 19th International Puppet Festival The Golden Dolphin which will be held from 1st to 7th October 2025, Varna, Bulgaria. Varna State Puppet Theatre has a pleasure to announce officially the Open Call for Applications for participation in the competition programme of the 19th […]

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Harmony World Puppet Innovation Festival 2024 – Thailand

International Festivals, News, Notices, Thailand - 1/11/2024

Between November 13-17, 2024, the 27th annual “World Puppet Festival” (Harmony World Puppet Innovation Festival 2024) will be held at the National Science Museum (NSM) in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand. As the main host country, Thailand aims to establish a cooperation agreement and support the development of ‘puppet innovation,’ with the event organized by […]

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Open Call – 14th Edition of the International Puppet Theatre for Adults Festival “PIERROT”, Bulgaria

Bulgaria, International Festivals - 21/10/2024

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Non-profit organization “PIERROT” and the State Puppet Theatre – Stara Zagora are excited to announce the 14th edition of the International Puppet Theatre for Adults Festival “PIERROT”, taking place from September 23rd to 29th, 2025. PIERROT invites performers, artists, and puppet theatre professionals to apply and participate in this uniqe event. Download […]

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58th PIF Festival – CALL FOR APPLICATION – Croatia

Croatia, International Festivals, News, Notices - 20/10/2024

Dear puppeteers, puppetry groups, and puppet theatres! You are cordially invited to send your application form for the 58th International Puppet Theatre Festival – PIF. Festival Date and Location The 58th PIF International Puppet Festival will take place from September 12 to 18, 2025, in Zagreb, Croatia. Registration Deadline All registrations must be submitted by […]

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FLUM & UNIMA PC – MOSTAR 2024

Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cooperation, Croatia, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Humanitas, Hungary, International Festivals, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, News, Notices, Peru, Professional Training, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States - 1/10/2024

Celebrating International Peace Day – 21st September 2024 There are no words to describe the events that took place this year in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This beautiful city, with a history spanning from the Ottoman era, preserves architectural marvels and puppetry traditions protected by UNESCO, the Old Bridge of Mostar (World Heritage List) and […]

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OPEN CALL – Pendientes de un Hilo: Platform for Emerging Puppetry Creators

International Festivals, News, Notices, Spain - 6/09/2024

OPEN CALL FOR PUPPET AND THEATRE OBJECT WORK IN PROGRESS PROJECTS Pendientes de un Hilo festival offers a space for emerging creators to present their projects to international programmers The Pendientes de un Hilo festival is thrilled to present the 6th edition of the Plataforma de Lanzamiento, an exciting opportunity for emerging creators in puppetry […]

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Pop Up Puppets in Stockholm 2024 – Festival Review by Cariad Astles

International Festivals, News, Notices, Research, Sweden - 4/09/2024

Pop Up Puppets in Stockholm 2024 Pop Up Puppets 2024, despite the ephemeral-sounding title, is a puppet festival with large, splendid and grounded performances. In its third iteration, the growing success of the festival has made marks upon Stockholm’s cultural landscape and makes future festivals look highly likely to continue and grow. This year’s shows […]

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FLUM & UNIMA Puppetry Collaboratorium: “Let There Be Light”

Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cooperation, Humanitas, International Festivals, Middle East and North Africa, National Centers, News, Notices, Professional Training, Turkey - 2/09/2024

“Let There Be Light” Dates: September 21 (World Peace Day) to 25, 2024 Location: Mostar Puppet Theatre, Bosnia and Herzegovina “Let There Be Light” is a puppetry collaboration that will take place in Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Mostar, at the Mostar Puppet Theater, from September 21 to 25, 2024, as part of the FLUM International Puppet […]

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Documentation Now Available for the “CHANGE” Symposium in Bochum

Europe, Germany, International Festivals, News - 30/08/2024

The documentation from the remarkable SYMPOSIUM “CHANGE”, held this past May in Bochum, is now available! This event, organized by FIDENA in collaboration with the International Festivals Commission, brought together visionary ideas, discussions, and performances centered around transformation in the arts. You can now access in-depth information and videos from the symposium via the link […]

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Iran’s Dramatic Arts Center Announces Four Major International Theatre Festivals

International Festivals, Iran, News, Notices - 16/07/2024

The Dramatic Arts Center of Iran is pleased to announce details of four prominent international theatre festivals scheduled as follows (click on links for more information): The 17th Mariwan Street International Theatre Festival (October 11th to 15th, 2024) (Outdoor performances only) The 29th Children & Youth International Theatre Festival (November 1st to 7th, 2024) The […]

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Northeim (Germany) – August 2024 – International Puppet Festival

Germany, International Festivals, News, Notices - 21/06/2024

“Puppet Works Wonders – Fascination and Possibilities of a Medium.” From August 9th to 18th, 2024, Northeim will host the next Puppet Festival, themed “Puppet Works Wonders – Fascination and Possibilities of a Medium.” While the title may sound cliché, those who have experienced the impact of interacting with animated figures understand its profound effect. […]

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37th International Theatrical Festival VALISE

International Festivals, Poland - 11/01/2024

37th edition of the International Theatrical Festival VALISE will take place 5 – 8 of June 2024 at the Puppet and Actor Theatre in Łomża. In recent years the Festival has undergone numerous programme changes, continually reacting to new trends in the contemporary theatre, social transformations and the history of the ever-evolving world. The festival […]

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CHANGE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS IN TIMES OF TRANSFORMATION: AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Agenda, Conferences, Germany, International Festivals, News, Notices - 6/11/2023

WHEN? Opening of FIDENA 2024 with a parade through the city and opening performance: 07.05.2024 FIDENA: 07.05.2024 -15.05.2024 International Symposium: 09.05. & 10.05.2024 WHERE? Jahrhunderthalle Bochum, Germany WHAT? During FlDENA, the Deutsches Forum fiir Figurentheater und Puppenspielkunst invites you to an international symposium with the theme “CHANGE – INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS IN TIMES OF TRANSFORMATION”. Festival […]

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UNIMA, an international meeting point at the Charleville-Mézières puppet theatre festival

Africa, Commissions, Communication and Public Relations, Europe, France, International Festivals, News, Professional Training, Secretary General, Unima Projects, Youth - 3/10/2023

UNIMA was present at the 2023 World Festival of Puppet Theatres, where the association organised various events enabling members from all over the world to meet around common themes and a convivial drink. A great international meeting place which welcomed nearly 500 people over 4 days. The delegation from Chuncheon, led by UNIMA South Korea […]

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Join UNIMA during the World Puppet Festival of Charleville-Mézières

Africa, Agenda, Commissions, Communication and Public Relations, Cultural Exchanges, Europe, International Festivals, News, Notices, Nouvelles, Research, Secretary General, Unima Projects, Youth - 18/07/2023

UNIMA space – An International meeting point 19 > 22 September Find us on the map: Espace UNIMA > n°28 /// 75 Forest avenue > n°10   UNIMA organises Happy Apéros and meetings to join together and celebrate friendship among puppeteers as well as to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges facing our international organisation. […]

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UNIMA showcase at the Charleville-Mézières festival, 2023

International Festivals, Notices, Secretary General - 27/01/2023

UNIMA creates links and often more than links, founding stories for places. All UNIMA meetings create this value of friendship and vision. Charleville-Mézières is a commendable example of a reciprocal friendship that creates tools to support enthusiasm and desire, but also to develop values that are essential to all humanity. From a subsidiary art relegated […]

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AnimaIF Festival Internazionale Teatro di Figura

International Festivals, Italy - 21/10/2022

AnimaIF is the international puppet theatre festival organised by Is Mascareddas of Sardigna, Italy which brings to the stage some of the most significant shows by island, national and international companies from France, Spain, Slovenia and Japan.. In addition, an aperitif by Stazione di Transito, tasting of local wines, readings, meetings and screenings as well […]

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PESTA BONEKA #8 AND MEMORIES OF ENCOUNTERS

Indonesia, International Festivals - 21/09/2022

In this 8th celebration, PESTA BONEKA will be held on site in Yogyakarta for the audience and also puppet theater artists to enjoy. PESTA BONEKA is an international biennial puppet festival that has been independently held by Papermoon Puppet Theater since 2008. The festival, which is held every two years, is a gathering place for […]

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MIMMOS 2022 | Open Call until June 30, 2021

International Festivals, Portugal - 23/06/2021

In 2022, it will take place the third edition of MIMMOS, an international festival dedicated to puppets, masks and animated objects, to be held in Agualva-Cacém, near Sintra, Portugal and organized by Valdevinos (Cultural Organization), organizer of the 1st ans 2nd edition of MIMMOS – Mostra Internacional de Marionetas, Máscaras e Objetos de Sintra (Sintra […]

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Third Meeting of Festivals Directors

International Festivals - 25/03/2014

In cooperation with the UNIMA International Festivals Commission, the festival FIDENA welcomes the Third Meeting of Festivals Directors. It will be held from 18th to 21st May 2014. The registration for all interested people have to be sent before 15 April. Beware: the registration is limited. For the registration and also all information (different packages), please contact Helene Ewert : symposium@fidena.de. […]

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