Brief history

In 2002, they made an unofficial holiday to remember when animation was first shown to people. It was in 1892 in Paris at the Grévin Museum. Charles-Émile Reynaud showed his first movie. It had three cartoons: ‘Pauvre Pierrot’, ‘Un bon bock’, and ‘Le Clown Et Ses Chiens’.

Reynaud made a machine called Théâtre Optique. It showed pictures on a screen. The pictures were on a long paper that went around two wheels. The wheels had to be turned by hand. The machine was made with mirrors, lights, and a projector.

The movies were about 15 minutes long. Reynaud played the music and acted in the movies. There were also actors who talked. The movies were seen by half a million people.

Later, animation started to change. It used photos instead of drawings. The new movies were more real. People liked the new style and didn't want to see the old ones at the museum. Reynaud stopped making movies. He was sad and broke. He destroyed his machine and threw his movies in the river. 

How to celebrate

• Share your favorite animated films or series on social media.
• Organize an animation workshop or contest.
• Watch an animated film with friends or family.

Animation Day

Interesting facts

• The first animated film was created more than a century ago.
• Walt Disney revolutionized the animation industry with his classic films.
• Animation is used in various fields, from advertising to education.
• International Animation Day is a reminder of the importance of animation in our lives.