Debuting in 1969, the ASIFA-East Animated Film Festival is one of the longest running festivals of its kind. The entries are judged by ASIFA East members in an open screening for each category. Anyone may attend the screenings, but only current ASIFA East members are permitted to vote for the winning films. The votes are sealed and tallied by an independent accountant and announced at a special awards ceremony hosted this year on May 20th.