Under the patronage of Al-Mustaqbal University and the supervision of its President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, the sixth edition of the Babylon Animation Film Festival commenced on Sunday, 11 October 2026, on the university campus. The two-day festival brings together a distinguished gathering of artists, writers, intellectuals, and filmmakers, with broad Arab and international participation in a major cultural and artistic event. The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Ali Al-Shallah, Director of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts, alongside prominent cultural and artistic figures. The festival features animated films from Iraq and 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. The ceremony began with the Iraqi national anthem, followed by a speech on behalf of Al-Mustaqbal University President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, delivered by Professor Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision. He welcomed the distinguished guests, participating delegations, and artists, expressing the university’s pride in hosting this cultural and artistic event. He also emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting creativity and hosting initiatives that contribute to revitalizing the film industry, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening cooperation among creative professionals from Iraq and around the world. For his part, the festival president, Professor Dr. Amer Sabah Al-Marzouk, highlighted the festival’s importance in supporting animation cinema and enhancing its artistic and cultural presence. He also emphasized its role in providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, exchange experiences, and share creative expertise, thereby contributing to the development of animation as an art form and fostering collaboration among participants. The morning session featured screenings of 14 films from Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco. The evening programme included an intellectual seminar entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Animation Filmmaking,” alongside screenings of 17 participating films. These activities combine cinematic presentations with intellectual discussions on developments in animation production and its prospects. The opening ceremony also featured the honoring of Al-Mustaqbal University and the President of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts in recognition of their efforts to support cultural and artistic activities and contribute to the success of creative events. The festival’s second day is scheduled to feature a book-signing ceremony and film screenings celebrating Egyptian animation schools, marking 90 years of Arab animation cinema. The programme will also include honoring participants and festival committees, reading the closing statement, announcing the results, and presenting awards to the winning films. Al-Mustaqbal University’s sponsorship of this festival reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting cultural and artistic activities, nurturing creative talent, and strengthening cultural partnerships among artists, intellectuals, and filmmakers. This initiative also contributes to highlighting Babylon Governorate as a vibrant centre for culture and the arts, while reinforcing the university’s role in serving the community and supporting initiatives with cultural and humanistic significance.