The Call of the Forest is upon us!

World Puppetry Day 2023 is here to celebrate the history and evolution of puppetry from around the world. This year, UNIMA focused on our forests and wildlife, and the impact of humanity’s relationship with nature. It invited its members to send in their passionate works for a joint video and to take part in World Puppetry Day in their countries by proposing activities.

Here is a non-exhaustive overview of what happened in 2023: World Puppetry Day 2023 around the world

Here is the montage created by UNIMA Singapore from the videos received from all the countries.

Transcript of the World Puppetry Day speech by Dimitri Jageneau:

“Dear puppeteers around the world, dear members of UNIMA: This year is very special because we are celebrating 20 years of World Puppetry Day; I am very thankful to all its contributors. For twenty years you have shared and created projects and contributed parts of your work for this day to promote puppetry from all corners of the world.

This year, the topic (of this video montage) is “The Call of the Forest” and I am very thankful to all contributors. Let’s share this huge event. Let’s enjoy this moment together with puppetry, for creativity, and believe the world will be a better place with puppetry. That’s the message of the General Secretary – Dimitri Jageneau. All my greetings to all UNIMA members and puppeteers from around the world.”

The full editions of each individual collaborating countries’ video submissions can be found here (in alphabetical order):

Australia

Belgium

Brazil

Cameroon

Canada

China

Costa Rica

Croatia

Estonia

France

Germany

Greece

India

Ireland

Japan

Kenya

Korea

Netherlands

Norway

Peru

South Africa

Spain

Turkey

Uruguay

United States of America

UNIMA sends our fondest gratitude to all participating nations for your submissions. We look forward to collaborating with everyone again next year!