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The 5th edition of the Babylon International Animation Film Festival officially launched today at Al-Mustaqbal University, in a vibrant opening ceremony attended by notable Arab and international guests. The festival is held under the patronage of Al-Mustaqbal University, the French Embassy, the French Cultural Institute in Baghdad, and the Iraqi Artists Syndicate. The opening ceremony commenced with a speech by Dr. Abbas Al-Bawei, Assistant President of the University for Scientific Affairs, who welcomed the attendees and highlighted the festival’s role in fostering cultural dialogue through the universal language of imagery and imagination. Mr. Samuel Mim, representative of the French Embassy, also delivered a speech, expressing France’s support for cultural and artistic events that enhance international cooperation and open new horizons for cultural exchange. Dr. Amer Sabah Al-Marzouk, the Festival Director, emphasized in his remarks that the festival has become an annual celebration of the creativity of animation artists from around the world. He noted that it aims to build bridges between cultures and inspire future generations to innovate within this deeply human and borderless art form. The ceremony featured a selection of high-quality animated films from various countries, preceded by a musical performance by Dr. Haider Hameed and Dr. Amin Saleh, which added an artistic and elegant touch to the event. The program was skillfully hosted by Eng. Ali Riyadh Taih and Eng. Lina Al-Rubaie. The event was graced by the presence of academic and official representatives, including the team from the Al-Mustaqbal Center for Artificial Intelligence Applications, who emphasized the importance of such festivals in integrating art with technology and fostering interactive creativity among youth. The festival will continue over the course of three days, featuring film screenings, specialized workshops, and panel discussions bringing together filmmakers, critics, and audiences in a vibrant celebration of animation, imagination, and innovation. Al-Mustaqbal University — Ranked First among Private Universities in Iraq