The annual Holland Animation Film festival is back in Utrecht this week. The festival, celebrating its 14th anniversary, is a collection of some of the best animated films being made these days, both in the Netherlands and the rest of the world. The festival includes special programs, screenings throughout the city, exhibits at the Stadhuis, and competitions, including two new categories: the international competition for features and the competition for European student films. There are also awards for shorts and for commissioned films, as well as a category for best Dutch animation.

The aim of the festival is to show the quality work being done in animation in different styles for adult audiences, as well as children. Each morning at Theater Kikker, different experts will be speaking in the Daily Masters event. On Saturday, there's a cartoon art fair at Janskerk, and if bad taste is your thing, there's a special Night of the Animated Bad Taste Saturday night at City movie theater.

The website has a full program listing (in English and Dutch), with times and locations, as well as some sample videos to catch your interest. Some events are free, but most require a ticket, either single tickets (€8) or special passes (€12.50). Ticket information and possible discounts are listed on the site. The festival runs until 7 November.