BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — A festival dedicated to short animated films is getting under way this week in South Dakota.

The SoDak Animation Festival begins Wednesday at SDSU. The four-day event will feature nearly 50 short films from 16 countries.

The annual event started in 2007 as a one-hour screening and has grown to four days over the past five years.

This year’s event also includes musical performances and three guest speakers.

Many of the events are free and open to the public. Film showings cost $5. Admissions fees are waived for SDSU students, faculty and staff.