Five Wetsitales Films Selected for Belarus’ Animaevka-2026

Philippine folklore-inspired animation returns to the international festival following Wetsitales’ 2022 recognition

Five Wetsitales animated films have been selected for the XXIX International Festival of Animation Films “Animaevka-2026,” marking another milestone for the project’s mission to bring stories rooted in Philippine folklore to audiences around the world.

The festival will take place in Mogilev, Belarus, from September 30 to October 2, 2026. Organized by the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, Animaevka celebrates animation, children’s creativity, and international cultural exchange. The 2026 edition drew 1,962 film submissions from 99 countries.

Five Wetsitales Stories in the 2026 Program

• Wetsitales: Origin of the Echo

• Wetsitales: Agyu from Ayuman to Palangi

• Wetsitales: Agyu from Ayuman—The Promised Land

• Wetsitales: The Sun and the Moon (Mindanao)

• Wetsitales: Mengal Domingo

Together, the five selections showcase Wetsitales’ continuing exploration of Indigenous narratives, oral traditions, and culturally grounded storytelling through animation. Their inclusion places Philippine stories within an international program dedicated to outstanding creative work and stronger cultural connections across borders.

Building on a 2022 Festival Milestone

The 2026 selection continues Wetsitales’ history with Animaevka. In 2022, Aponibonilayen received an Honorary Diploma for the original embodiment of folklore, while The Boy Who Became a Stone was also selected for the festival.

That earlier recognition—and the inclusion of five new titles this year—reflects growing international interest in animated works that preserve cultural memory while making traditional narratives accessible to contemporary audiences.

Wetsitales’ presence at Animaevka-2026 underscores the power of animation to carry local voices beyond borders. Through these films, Filipino folklore enters a global conversation—inviting viewers to discover stories shaped by place, heritage, and generations of storytelling.

For more information about the festival, visit the official Animaevka festival website.   https://mogilevkino.by/pages/o-festivale and Wetsipon Workshop www.wetsiponworkshop.com                                                                           



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