Chris Robinson is a writer and the Artistic Director of the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF). A prominent voice in the animation world, Robinson has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Animafest Zagreb Award for Outstanding Contribution to Animation Studies (2020) and the Prix René Jodoin (2022) for his contributions to Canadian animation. Described as "one of the most stylistically original and provocative experts in the history of animation," Robinson's influence spans writing, curation, and film.
He first gained attention through his eclectic and influential magazine column, Animation Pimp, which was later adapted into a book of the same name. His other animation books reflect a deep engagement with global animation, including Unsung Heroes of Animation, Between Genius and Utter Illiteracy, Looking for A Place to Happen, Ballad of a Thin Man: In Search of Ryan Larkin, Animators Unearthed, Time Out of Mind, Earmarked for Collision, Cheer and Loathing in Animation, and Dreaming a Way (of) Life
In addition to his work as a critic and historian, Robinson co-wrote the award-winning animated short Lipsett Diaries (2010), directed by Theodore Ushev. More recently, he collaborated with German artist Andreas Hykade on the illustrated novel My Balls Are Killing Me. He wrote the script for Ushev's upcoming live-action feature film, Idling.
