President’s Message

Hi. My name’s Doug Vitarelli and I’m the new president of ASIFA-East.

I’m succeeding Tristian who, for the past 5 years, has led us through the global pandemic, arguably the most difficult time in our history. We are lucky he is still active as the co-chair of the festival.

I first learned of, and joined, ASIFA-East when I was a student at RISD back in the 80’s. My first animation job was with one of NYC’s greatest animators, Michael Sporn. Not surprisingly, after I met many people with the same interests and passions as mine, I was hooked to both NYC and animation.

Since then I received my master’s degree from CalArts and have worked as a 3D animator for 25+ years at over 40 studios for many different formats. I’v had a film shown at MoMA, won an Emmy, won at Annecy, won a few awards at our festival and finished a few personal films. I’ve also taught at NYU, Pratt, SVA and SUNY Fredonia.

And now I’m here and am excited about what we have planned this year: hosting more events, bringing back the aNYmator, talking to schools and, of course, presenting the oldest only animation festival in the country.

I’m looking forward to meeting you very soon.

-Doug

Latest Animation Moment That I’ve Watched More Times Than I’m Proud Of:
Minutes 1:17 – 2:53 of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Why?
Oskar Fischinger abstract musical graphics, bold + muted + pastel color palette, catharsis, pathos, silhouettes, really, really good compositing but most of all, great timing.