Michel Ocelot (ASIFA president, 1994-1999)

Independence – moral power, a price to pay

The fundamental internationalism of ASIFA goes with a total independence. The association was formed by free individuals, with no intervention by governments, super national bodies, commercial enterprises. It remained this way and is free from any tie with politics and commercialism. Its main income derive from the members’ fees. Nobody is payed within ASIFA. Its Board of Directors is elected through universal suffrage by all members. This independence permits ASIFA to have access to the most diverse countries, including the most antagonistic. Its moral authority has opened many doors and eased many difficulties.

The price we pay for this independence is fluctuating finances; One does not become an ASIFA member to make money, but because one likes animation and people who make it, because one is superior to frontiers and barbed wire, and ready to do one’s part. This organization is a unique ground, where people can meet and have things happen. It is up to each one to have ideas and energy, to find some benefit for oneself and for others, for the animation community, to fight when necessary, to call forth what may be missing.