We present a complete description of the simple animation language AniLan. Parameters of objects to be animated can be changed over time with the help of actions, events and cues. The language provides simple and natural control statements. Animation functions can both be written with expressions in the language or taken from libraries. Nested actions and named events provide a convenient way to compose complex and inter--dependend animations. The language has been implemented and some animations have been produced. There exist clearly defined interfaces to a front end modeler and a back end renderer.