ASIFA stands for the Association Internationale du Film d'Animation (International Animated Film Association). In 1960 chartered under UNESCO, a group of animators felt the need to dedicate their energies to protecting, preserving, and encouraging the art of animated film and as a membership organization. The headquarter is registered in Annecy, France.

Today, approximately 4000 animation artists and professionals are the active ASIFA Members, and unfolds its activities for the promotion and development of animation via mutual co-operation world-wide.

ASIFA is an international organization composed of individual members, but it is allowed for the members to set up its Group in their country or region to enhance its activities. Today, there are more than 30 National/Regional Groups throughout the world

ASIFA tries to develop several international projects for the benefit of the art of animation. A really important project for the promotion of animation among the youth is theASIFA Workshop Group,started from 1979. Every year a worldwide animation project, composed of several regional children animation workshops, is realized and gets presented at the most important animation festivals .

In 2002, ASIFA launched a global event to celebrate the art of animation, October 28th was proclaimed as International Animation Day. It encourages artists screening animated films, organizing workshops, exhibiting artwork and stills, providing technical demonstrations, and helping to promote the art of animation.

There is also publication for member exchange new information and idea. CARTOONS, the publication is to provide people with even more interesting, original and provocative writings on all facets of animation ranging from independent and industry filmmakers to business issues, new technologies, education strategies, and theoretical and historical papers .