The international animation society ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) was founded in the late 1950’s by a group of artists that included Jiri Trnka, Ivan Ivanov-Vano, John Halas, Joy Bachelor, John and Faith Hubley, Ward Kimball and Norman McLaren. They wanted to establish a festival that would be the equivalent of Cannes for animation. The result was the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (Festival international du film d'animation d'Annecy), which began in 1960.

Although ASIFA was created with the hope that animation could bridge ideological,cultural and geographic gaps, many artists lived under the threat of governmental, social and religious persecution during the Cold War era. The membership card for ASIFA-International read in English, French and Russian: “All foreign cinematographic artistic or scientific authorities and institutions are requested to give the bearer protection in case of need.”

Due to its ties to the major American studios, ASIFA-Hollywood is the largest chapter in ASIFA. Past board members include Steve Bosustow, June Foray, Ray Bradbury, Bill Hurtz, Bill Littlejohn, Les Novros, Bill Scott and Ward Kimball. ASIFA-Hollywood is involved in a diverse array of programs relating to all aspects the art of animation, including education, preservation, aid to artists in need and screenings. Created by former chapter president June Foray in 1972, the annual Annie Awards have become one of the art form’s most prestigious awards. (The trophy, a working zoetrope, was named by Foray’s husband, writer Hobart Donovan and designed by illustrator Tom Woodward.) The Annies were originally given to individuals to honor career achievement, but, since 1992, they are now also presented to various production and achievement categories for current productions.