[1] Initiated by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA), the event was established in 1972.

Zagreb's candidacy for holding a permanent animated film festival was accepted at the 1969 ASIFA meeting in London.

Its Prize for "Best First Production Apart from Educational Institutions" is named in honour of Zlatko Grgić.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, which is unique for animation film festivals, was established in 1986.

[3] From 1972 to 2004 Animafest was a biennial event focused on animated short films, held in even years, with the sole exception of 1976, when it was cancelled.