Cel-ing Points

The first Anifest, in 1972, was held around the backyard swimming pool of June Foray, best known as the voice of Rocky the flying squirrel on “The Bullwinkle Show.” It has grown from a simple fund-raiser for the Hollywood chapter of ASIFA (they sold--and still sell--animation cels) into a full-scale annual convention.

After nearly 10 years in the quieter confines of hotel conference rooms, ASIFA has returned to more public view with Anifest ’98.

ASIFA, an acronym for l’Association Internationale du Film d’Animation, was founded in France in 1957 and has chapters in 30 countries. Members range from professional animators to aficionados, said president Antran Manoogian. In addition to regular members-only events, the Hollywood chapter sponsors animation-preservation projects, presents the annual Annie Awards for best animation and hosts Animation Expo, a trade show, each spring.

“The intention for this event is to promote animation to the fans and the general public,” Manoogian said. “A lot of people don’t know what goes into making a cartoon.”

They’ll have a chance to find out--and to make some of their own--during Anifest ’98.

In addition to displays from Nickelodeon, Disney, Warner Brothers, Film Roman and others, animators will demonstrate how key parts of modern cartoons are made. All day Saturday, Royer Studios will run a hands-on area to experiment with various techniques. An all-day session Sunday guides participants through creating a short animated film.

Anifest ’98 runs through Sunday. Presentations are free, except Royer’s Sunday animation class. All events are on the first level of the Media City Shopping Center, 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., in Burbank. Call (818) 566-8556 for information.

Today

7-8:30 p.m.--John Kricfalusi, creator of “Ren & Stimpy” and the “Godd--n George Liquor Program,” shows his Web cartoons and discusses animation on the Internet.

Friday

7-8:30 p.m.--Screening of an untelevised episode of “Dexter’s Laboratory,” followed by a Q&A; with creator Genndy Tartakovsky.

Saturday

11 a.m.-noon--Q&A; with Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson.

12:15-12:30 p.m.--Music for animation presentation by composer Ron Jones.

12:45-1:45 p.m.--History of animation with Tom Sito, story man for DreamWorks SKG.

2-2:15 and 2:30-2:45 p.m.--Voice-over show with Lucille Bliss and cast.

3-4 p.m.--Raul Garcia and other Disney animators discuss the making of “Mulan” and show original artwork.

All day--”How Do They Do That?” demonstrations by animators on pen-and-ink, computer animation, cel restoration, layout, background and character design. Plus, “Making Animation” area for experimentation and displays of various techniques.

Sunday

12:45-1:45 p.m.--History of animation with Tom Sito, story man for DreamWorks SKG.

2-2:15 and 2:30-2:45 p.m.--Voice-over show with Lucille Bliss and cast.

3-3:45 p.m.--Composers Michael and Patty Silversher discuss their animation music.

All day--”How Do They Do That?” demonstrations by animators on pen-and-ink, computer animation, cel restoration, layout, background and character design.

All day--A workshop by Royer Studios to create a short animated film. Requires preregistration and fee. Call (818) 566-8556.