This award emerges from a new partnership with the Council of Europe, home of Eurimages, under its Pilot Programme for Series Co-productions, which aims to support high-quality series made as international co-productions, empower independent producers and foster new relationships. The CEE Animation Forum is the first industry event dedicated to animated works included in the Programme’s partnering measure.

Held annually every November in Pilsen, Czechia, CEE Animation Forum is a leading pitching, financing, and co-production platform in Central and Eastern Europe, and a key meeting point for the wider European animation industry.

Since its launch in 2013, the CEE Animation Forum has supported animated series, while more than 350 projects have been presented and successfully matched with co-production partners. Over the years, it has strategically prioritized series development through a range of targeted professional activities. As a result, the CEEA Forum has established itself as the go-to platform in the region for the financing and co-production of high-quality animated series.

Animated series are a format that requires specific support, and we have been focusing on it since the beginning. We are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by the Council of Europe and that, through this partnership, we can bring additional support to the animation sector.

Marta Jallageas, Managing Director of the CEE Animation Forum

CEE Animation Forum presents a diverse pitching competition spanning four categories: TV or Web Series and TV Specials, Feature Films, Short Films, and Student Short Films. In addition to pitching, the event features tailored one-on-one business meetings, an online Market, masterclasses and specialized closed-door sessions with key industry stakeholders, including broadcasters, producers, and educational institutions.

Each year, the event presents around 30 selected projects and engages nearly 200 professionals from across Europe. Its other awards include valuable cash and non-monetary prizes, such as placements in top European training programs, markets, and services worth more than €50,000.

CEE Animation Forum is financially supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Czech Audiovisual Fund, the Czech Audiovisual Producers’ Association, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the Pilsen Region. 

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CEE Animation Forum, one of the leading events for pitching, financing and co-production of European animated projects, has launched a call for entries for its 14th edition, taking place November 10–12 in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Projects can be submitted to the pitching competition in four categories: Feature Films, Series and TV Specials, Short Films, and Student Short Films. 

Each year, film professionals from across Europe gather to attend the CEE Animation Forum’s highlight: the pitching competition featuring the most promising European animation projects. Through complementary networking activities such as the Market and one-to-one meetings, the CEE Animation Forum focuses on building lasting collaborations and exploring co-production, financing, and distribution opportunities. It also creates space for producers and studios to connect with experienced partners or emerging talents and exchange best practices.

Submissions are open to European animated projects in four categories:

• Feature Films – minimum length of 60 minutes; in concept or in development
• Series and TV Specials – TV and web series of any format and single films, minimum length of 20 minutes; all stages of development except for concept stage
• Short Films – maximum length of 20 minutes; all stages of development (except for concept stage) or pre-production
• Student Short Films – maximum length of 20 minutes; all stages of development (except for concept stage) or pre-production

The deadline for submissions is May 10, 2026.

We are very pleased to see how the CEE Animation Forum has become a meeting point where filmmakers from different countries come together to build strong partnerships. Every year, our co-production market helps ambitious projects find the right collaborators, financing opportunities and international visibility, creating bridges between animation professionals across Europe. It is always inspiring to see how projects presented at the CEEA Forum move forward and eventually come to life on screen.

Marta Jallageas, Managing Director

Selected projects will compete for a number of valuable awards, including the official CEE Animation Forum Awards, the CEE Animation Workshop Award (scholarship), and various partners’ awards. The total value amounts to 50,000 EUR in cash and non-monetary awards.

For more information, including submission guidelines and the application form, please visit the official website.

The post CEE Animation Forum 2026 Opens Call for Submissions appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

29 animated projects in Pitching Competition, 40 on the Market; Almost 200 industry professionals including decision-makers from European broadcasters, festivals, leading distributors and production houses.

CEE Animation Forum, the leading regional pitching, financing, and co-production market for European animated projects, returns to Pilsen on November 4–6, 2025. The 13th edition will spotlight the creativity in European animation through 29 pitching projects from 15 countries, across four categories: 9 short films, 8 student shorts, 6 series, and 6 feature films. This year’s lineup offers a blend of projects from CEE countries alongside those from Western Europe. About 70% of the projects come from the CEE region, led by Czechia (5), Poland (4), and Hungary (3).

The selection caters to a diverse range of audiences, with 12 projects aimed at children, 7 for teenagers and young adults, and 10 for adult viewers. Projects were chosen from a record 199 submissions, which marks a 62% increase from 2024 and more than double the number from 2023. In preparation for their final pitches, participating teams benefited from the guidance of distinguished tutors: pitching coach Sibylle Kurz and producer Karolina Davidova (13ka).

Almost 200 industry professionals, from producers and directors to broadcasters, sales agents and representatives of national film funds, festivals and universities, will attend. This year’s juries bring together an impressive group of high-profile industry guests, including NRK – Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation representative; international distribution and sales experts from Mediatoon Distribution (FR), Falcon (CZ) and ShortsFit Distribution (ARG/IT), as well as seasoned producers from XBO Films (FR), Cinnamon Entertainment (BE), and Avec ou sans vous (FR).

Joining them are Caroline Maleville, Programming Manager at the Cinémathèque Française and member of Cannes Director’s Fortnight selection committee; Shelley Page, Head of Talent at Locksmith Animation (UK); Martina Peštaj, media psychologist (SI); filmmakers behind acclaimed animated works: Mirjana Balogh (Wish You Were Ear, winner of the Crystal Bear for Best Short Film at Berlinale 2025) and Réka Bucsi (Love, European Film Award nominee 2017; Solar Walk, Grand Prix at Ottawa IAF, 2018).

The intensive two-day programme will consist of four pitching sessions culminating in an award ceremony on the evening of November 6, as well as Market activities, one-to-one meetings and networking opportunities. Panel discussion Building Financing Bridges for European Animation will highlight the new CODA Codevelopment Award, initiated by CEE Animation and supported by several national film funds, designed to strengthen the Central and Eastern European animation sector.

Complementing the Pitching Competition, this year’s Market will showcase a diverse range of  animated projects in development, production, or nearing completion from accredited CEEA Forum guests. Designed as a networking tool, the Market aims to boost the visibility of participants’ work and facilitate onsite connections, helping authors explore the project lineup and find potential partners more easily.

The animation landscape in Europe is changing fast, and Central and Eastern Europe has become a true nest of creativity and source of talent.Our mission is to facilitate networking, increase visibility for studios, and help them find the right partners to move their projects forward.The CEEA Forum has always been about more than pitching — it’s about building a community.

Marta Jallageas, Managing Director

Pitching projects compete for a combined value of over €50,000 in cash and non-monetary awards, including placements at top European training programmes, markets and services. Alongside CEE Animation Forum awards in four competition categories, there will be an Audience Award, a CEEA Workshop Scholarship Award, and six partners’ awards made possible by the generous support of Ciclic Residency, CARTOON Movie, Forum and Springboard, Young Horizons Industry, TVPaint, Travelling Distribution and BRATROnice Residency.

CEE Animation Forum is financially supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, co-financed by the governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund, Czech Audiovisual Fund, Audiovisual Producers´Association Czechia, the Ministry of Culture Czechia, Czech-German Future Fund and Pilsen Region.

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The CEE Animation Forum, the leading platform for pitching, financing and co-production in Central and Eastern Europe — and a key meeting point for the wider European animation industry, announces the official selection for its 13th edition, taking place in Pilsen (Czechia) from 4 to 6 November 2025.

A total of 29 animated projects from 16 countries are selected across 4 categories: 9 short films, 8 student short films, 6 series and 6 feature films. Projects were chosen from a record 199 submissions, which marks a 62% increase from 2024 and more than double the number from 2023.

What’s most rewarding for us is seeing so many creative teams returning to our event with new projects and knowing that it was right here where they found the right partners or new co-producers. We’re proud to be a launchpad where new European animation projects begin their journey,

Marta Jallageas, Managing Director of the CEE Animation Forum

Geographically, the lineup features a blend of CEE countries and the most developed markets of Western Europe. CEE countries account for around 70% of the projects, with Czechia (5), Hungary (4) and Poland (4) topping the list. In terms of target demographics, the selection addresses a wide range of audiences, with 12 projects aimed at children, 6 targeting teenagers and young adults, and 11 intended for adult viewers.

Once again, hand-drawn animation emerged as the most popular animation technique, used in 14 projects, often combined with 2D or stop-motion animation, which are the next most popular techniques. The selection also highlights the creative use of 3D animation utilised in 6 projects. With approximately half of female directors and producers in this year’s lineup, CEE Animation Forum proudly maintains a tradition of equal representation of women.

CEE Animation Forum’s main activities are Pitching Competition, the Market and One-to-One meetings. Projects compete for a combined value of over €50,000 in cash and non-monetary awards, including placements at top European training programs, markets and services.

Accreditations for CEE Animation Forum will open in September 2025. 

CEE Animation Forum 2025 Official Selection

See detailed information about all selected projects at the official website.

FEATURE FILMS

• A Loyal Friend, d. Luka Rukavina, p. Jaka produkcija, Croatia
• Maryam & Varto, d. Gorune Aprikian, p. Tchack, France
• Pink Punk Delta, d. Alba Sotorra, p. Alba Sotorra, Spain, Artichoke, Slovakia
• Rani, d. Joachim Herisse, p. Komawe, France
• The Golden Butterfly, d. Goce Cvetanovski, p. Makedonska Krepost, North Macedonia
• Until Death Unites Us, d. Nawojka Wierzbowska, p. GS Animation, Poland

SERIES

• Brother Deer, d. Lucija Buzancic, p. Jaka produkcija, Croatia
• Coco, d. Stepan Gajdos, p. Blue Light Pictures, Czechia
• Electric Water, d. Gali Blay, p. Counterintuitive film, Germany
• Jurassic Talks, d. Salvatore Di Paola, p. Megadrago, Italy
• Tolo & Bolo, s. Szymon Wroblewski, p. Filmograf, Poland
• Tulip, d. Juli Tudisco, p. Avec ou sans Vous, France, CUB Animation, Hungary

SHORT FILMS

• Ancient Woods, d. Vykintas Labanauskas, p. Just a moment, Lithuania
• I’m Not Nearly Cool Yet, d. Anastazja Naumenko, p. Blurred, Poland
• Planet, d. Laura Pop, p. Safe Frame, Romania
• Pogo, d. Jana Svermova, p. Maurfilm, Czechia
• Sunshine for Everyone, d. Anete Melece, p. Studio Locomotive, Latvia
• Tense, d. Konrad Hjemli, p. Mikrofilm, Norway
• The Molepire, d. Marek Cermak, p. Films & Chips, Czechia
• The Rabbit-Shaped Dog, d. Roland Kazi, p. Kedd Animation Studio, Hungary
• Two for Me, One for You, d. Jan Gadermann, p. Fabian & Fred, Germany

STUDENT SHORT FILMS

• Ergot, d. Damjan Lazin, p. Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Hungary
• Fell a Tree Burn a House Kill a Son, d. Marcin Senderowicz, p. Lodz Film School, Poland
• Foolish Fish Fable, d. Yiyang Sun, p. Estonia Academy of Arts, Estonia
• Lunar Landscape, d. Foivos Chalkiopoulos, p. Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf, Germany
• Martirologium, d. Mariia-Kristina Klimt, p. Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, Czechia
• Perfect, d. Andrea Olivares Lopez, p. Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Hungary
• Reus, d. Ondrej Tesnar, p. Tomas Bata University, Czechia
• Wavebreaker, d. Lilia Aleksandrova, p. New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria

The post CEE Animation Forum 2025 Unveils Lineup of 29 Projects Across Europe appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

Feature film winner Saima (Credit: Petra Ottová, CEE Animation)

A total of 31 projects, divided into four categories – 9 features, 7 TV series, 9 short films, and 6 student shorts – were included in the Pitching Competition. The selected projects cover a diverse range of topics and target audiences, from children up to the age of 12 (10 projects) and teenagers (5) to adults and young adults (16). The total budget for these projects exceeds staggering 40 million EUR.

I am amazed by the overall quality of the pitches and the energy invested in these incredible animated film projects. The majority of them left the audience breathless. The bravery and enthusiasm with which the presenters—both young students and experienced filmmakers with highly ambitious projects—performed on stage is truly inspiring. We are proud to see the projects that participated in our other activities, like CEE Animation Workshop or Rise and Shine pitching lab, come well-prepared and start their successful development.

Marta Jallageas, Managing Director of the CEE Animation Forum

The awards were distributed in a total amount of 40,000 EUR.

CEE Animation Forum 2024 Awards

AUDIENCE AWARD

Toink! sc. Bert Lesaffer, p. Kristof Lantin, Animal Tank, Belgium

FEATURE FILMS CATEGORY

Winner – Saima – Scenes from a Midlife Crisis, d. Chintis Lundgren, p. Draško Ivezić, Adriatic Animation, Chintis Lundgreni Animatsioonistuudio, Croatia

Jury statement: After a nice debate, we have decided to award the film “Saima, scenes from a midlife crisis”. We all found the pitch very promising. We liked in particular the intimate exploration of this midlife crisis with a very lively, humorous and at times psychedelic approach, as well as the interesting blend of realism and magical realism. Basically we’re looking forward to seeing the film and get in between your smelly sheets.

TV SERIES CATEGORY

• Winner – Toink!, sc. Bert Lesaffer, p. Kristof Lantin, Animal Tank, Belgium

Jury statement: We selected the project for its well-structured, original pitch and its genuine commitment to inclusivity and differences. The project stood out for its heartfelt approach to helping young audiences navigate the ups and downs of growing up, and embracing challenges in all their forms. 

• Special Mention – The End, d. Paul Muresan, p. Mihai Mitrica, Safe Frame, Romania

SHORT FILMS CATEGORY

• Winner – Ant, d. & p. Jonatan Schwenk, Germany

Jury statement: For a compelling pitch and presentation of a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, the jury of the short film projects is pleased to award the prize to Jonatan Schwenk for “Ant”. Congratulations!

• Special Mention – Killin’ It, d. Balázs Turai, p. Péter Benjámin Lukács, Boddah, Hungary

RISING STARS – STUDENT FILMS CATEGORY

• Winner – My Granny Amphibian, d. Viktória Zimmermannová, p. Film and Television Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava – VŠMU, Slovakia

Jury statement: The main award goes to a project that is very well developed, stands out visually and speaks about loss and memory from a child’s perspective. We are convinced by the way the story is told and surprised by the unique and engaging character of the anthropomorphic frog eating the objects that symbolize the memories of the boys granny. The award goes to “My Granny Amphibian” by Viktória Zimmermannová.

• Special Mention – Cashier, d. Alina Sivets, p. University of West Bohemia, Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, Czech Republic

Jury statement: Special mention goes to a project that tells a simple story of everyday life from a fresh angle. We can see the great potential of the project, both regarding the materiality of the technique and the stories that the products can evoke in our minds. Mention goes to “The Cashier” by Alina Sivets.

CEE Animation Workshop Scholarship

English Lessons, d. Ivan Tymchenko, p. Svitlana Soloviova, Digital Platform, Svitlofor Film, Ukraine

Ciclic Residency

Ant, d. & p. Jonatan Schwenk, Germany

Travelling – distribution award

•  Winner – Ant, d. & p. Jonatan Schwenk, Germany
• Special Mention – A Walk in Nature, d. Matej Mihalyi, p. Academy of Arts Architecture & Design in Prague UMPRUM, Czech Republic

Cartoon MOVIE – direct access

• In My Head, d. Veronika Zúbek Kocourková, p. Monika Lošťáková, Super film, Slovakia
• The Axolotls, d. Filip Posivac, p. Barbora Chaberova, Bionaut, Czech Republic

TVPaint – animation license

Total Eclipse, d. & p. Marija Stojnić, Set Sail Films

Young Horizons Industry – direct access

Finding Home, d. Anja Manou Hellem, p. Lillian Løvseth, Trollfilm, Norway

Animarkt  Stop Motion Forum – direct access

Ant, d. & p. Jonatan Schwenk, Germany

BRATRONICE Residency

A Walk in Nature, d. Matej Mihalyi, p. Academy of Arts Architecture & Design in Prague UMPRUM, Czech Republic

The post Winners of the 12th CEE Animation Forum Announced appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

CEE Animation, a network that brings together regional activities for promotion and development of animation and its talents in Central and Eastern Europe, recently welcomed four new members to its Grouping. The new members were voted in at CEE Animation’s General Assembly which was held on Thursday, September 5.

APA – Audiovisual Producers´ Association (Czech Republic) and the Estonian Animation Association have joined CEE Animation Grouping as Members. The existing Members are: APAF – Slovak Association of Animated Film Producers, DSAF – Slovene Animated Film Association, HAPA – Hungarian Animation Producers Association, HRUP – Croatian Producers Association and SPPA – Polish Animation Producers Association.

PÖFF Shorts and ASAF – Association of Czech Animation Film are on board as Beneficiaries. This group already includes ABAP – Association of Bulgarian Animation Producers; ASIFA HELLAS (Greece) and Zagreb Film (Croatia).

Azerbaijan Animation Association is the new Observer in the group consisting of Studio Kapi, Ukraine, UANIMA – Ukrainian Association of Animation, ANIBAR Animation Festival, (Kosovo), AEON Production (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and SAQANIMA – Georgian Animation Association.

After welcoming new members, a total of 14 CEE countries are represented in the CEE Animation Grouping.

CEE Animation was established in 2019 in a form of a European Economic Interest Grouping with a goal to support and improve the conditions for creation of animation and to contribute to the development of animated film industry and creation of appropriate creative conditions for its members.

The complete list of CEE Animation Grouping Members is available here.

Please find more information about membership structure here.

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CEE Animation Forum, the animation industry’s leading regional pitching, financing, and co-production event is excited to announce the official 2024 lineup ahead of its 12th edition that will take place in Pilsen, Czech Republic, on November 12-13.

A total of 31 projects, divided into four categories – 9 features, 7 TV series, 9 short films, and 6 student films – have been selected for this year’s pitching. This selection is the result of record-breaking 123 applications from 31 countries, representing a remarkable 30 percent increase compared to last year. This significant rise in interest underscores CEE Animation’s reputation as a go-to platform for the international coproductions and promotion of animation creativity.

When it comes to official selection geodemographics, the 2024 lineup features a blend of CEE countries and the most developed markets of Western Europe. CEE countries make up  around 70% of the lineup, with Czech Republic (6), Hungary (4) and Poland (4) being the most represented. CEE Animation Forum proudly maintains a tradition of fairly equal representation of women, which will again turn in their favor. Of the 31 selected projects, 55% of the directors and 56% of the producers are women.

The 31 selected projects, in various stages of development or (pre)production, offer a diverse array of captivating, thought-provoking stories. These projects cover a wide variety of sources and thematic preoccupations—from adaptations of popular children’s classic and fictionalized biographies to first-person explorations of complex subjects.

In terms of catering to different target audiences, the selection includes 8 projects for children up to 12 years old, 6 projects for teenagers, 6 projects for young adults, and 11 projects aimed at adult audiences. Once again drawing emerged as the most popular animation technique, employed by 16 projects, followed closely by 2D animation (14 projects.). The selection also highlights the creative use of 3D animation (3 projects) and the distinctive charm of stop motion animation (3 projects).

“We are thrilled to reveal the exceptional lineup for this year´s edition. The record-breaking number of applications and the impressive quality of the selected projects highlight the growing significance of our event in the global animation industry. This year’s selection not only showcases a diverse array of creative talent but also underscores our commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting emerging voices in animation,” says Marta Jallageas, managing director of the event.

CEE Animation Forum’s main activities are Pitching competition, the Market and One-to-one meetings. Launched in 2023 to complement the pitching competition, Market provides a platform for professionals in the animation industry to showcase their animated project, and offers participants the opportunity to purchase accreditations for their projects at any stage.

Accreditations for CEE Animation Forum will open in September 2024.

CEE Animation Forum is financially supported by International Visegrad Fund, Czech Film Fund, Audiovisual Producers´ Association CZ, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic and Pilsen Region.

CEE Animation Forum 2024 Official Selection

See detailed information about all selected projects: https://ceeanimation.eu/forum/2024-cee-animation-forum/selected-projects/

FEATURE FILMS

Basia & a Doggy Summer
Director: Marcin Wasilewski
Producer: Robert Jaszczurowski, GS Animation
Country: Poland

Dream of Grape Gardens
Director: Sahra Mani
Producer: Maéva Savinien, Urban Factory
Country: France

English Lessons (working title)
Director: Ivan Tymchenko
Producer: Svitlana Soloviova, Digital Platform, Svitlofor Film
Country: Ukraine

Finding Home
Director: Anja Manou Hellem
Producer: Lillian Løvseth, Trollfilm
Country: Norway

In My Head
Director: Veronika Zúbek Kocourková
Producer: Monika Lošťáková, Super film
Country: Slovakia

Saima – Scenes from a Midlife Crisis
Director: Chintis Lundgren
Producer: Draško Ivezić, Adriatic Animation
Country: Croatia

The Axolotls
Director: Filip Posivac
Producer: Barbora Prikaska, Bionaut
Country: Czech Republic

Three Wishes
Director: Katalin Glaser
Producer: Orsolya Sipos, Salto Films
Country: Hungary

Zoyka and the Bird
Director: Marta Pajek
Producer: Grzegorz Wacławek, Animoon
Country: Poland

TV SERIES

Little Mimo
Director: Luca Toth
Producer: Péter Benjámin Lukács, Boddah
Country: Hungary

The End
Director: Paul Muresan
Producer: Mihai Mitrica, Safe Frame
Country: Romania

The Forest Five
Director: Ivana Laucikova
Producer: Katarína Kerekesová, Fool Moon
Country: Slovakia

The Little Odyssey
Director: Jakub Kouril
Producer: Gabriela Košťál, Paprika Studios
Country: Czech Republic

Tiny Fox and Great Boar
Director: Jacek Rokosz
Producer: Katarzyna Janiak, EGoFILM
Country: Poland

Toink!
Director: An Vrombaut
Producer: Kristof Lantin, Animal Tank
Country: Belgium

Welcome to Vegetown
Director: Sylvain Delcourt
Producer: Xavier Truchon, Toku
Country: France

SHORT FILMS

Ant
Director and producer: Jonatan Schwenk
Country: Germany

Bird’s Eye
Director: Lucija Mrzljak
Producer: Draško Ivezić, Adriatic Animation
Country: Croatia

Brown Morning

Director: Carlo Vogele
Producer: David Mouraire, Doghouse Films
Country: Luxembourg

Cosmonauts
Director: Leo Černic
Producer: Tina Smrekar, Finta Film
Country: Slovenia

Demon of the Marshes
Director: Martin Pertlicek
Producer: Kamila Dohnalová, Maurfilm
Country: Czech Republic

Killin’ It
Director: Balázs Turai
Producer: Péter Benjámin Lukács, Boddah
Country: Hungary

The Lookout
Director: Mathieu Labaye
Producer: Bastien Martin, Camera-etc
Country: Belgium

The Total Eclipse
Director: Marija Stojnić
Producer: Andrijana Sofranić Šućur, Set Sail FIlms
Country: Serbia

Watermelon
Director: Sara Szymańska
Producer: Anna Głowińska, Animoon
Country: Poland

STUDENT FILMS

Dis)Connected
Director: Yoana Plachkova
Producer: New Bulgarian University
Country: Bulgaria

A Walk in Nature
Director: Matej Mihalyi
Producer: Academy of Arts Architecture & Design
Country: Czech Republic

Cashier
Director: Alina Sivets
Producer: University of West Bohemia
Country: Czech Republic

Each, All and Every
Director: Nikoletta Veress
Producer: Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design
Country: Hungary

My Granny Amphibian
Director: Viktória Zimmermannová
Producer: Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava
Country: Slovakia

What’s Bothering Sara?
Director: Krystsina Ramanava
Producer: Emma Slobodová, Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts
Country: Czech Republic

The post CEE Animation Forum 2024 Lineup Revealed appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

The third edition of Rise & Shine – an Animation development & pitching Lab for young talents and their short films is fast approaching. Organized as a collaboration between Animafest Zagreb, Animateka IAFF and CEE Animation, the two-part workshop is aimed at short films in development. Participants will train their skills through guidance from experienced industry professionals, network with fellow animators, as well as have the opportunity to introduce their project to a wider international professional audience connected to both festivals.

Workshops will take place as part of Animafest Zagreb from 5 – 8 June 2024, where participants will receive a programme of lectures, individual and group sessions with experienced film professionals in the field of animation. A special focus will be on the story of the project, which they will work on with renowned mentors Pedro Rivero and Michaël Dudok de Wit. The second part will take place at Animateka from 4 – 8 December 2024, where selected teams will receive lessons focused on pitching preparations and improving their presentation skills with established mentor Anna Vášová. Jelena Popović will be joining the second part of the workshop to offer mentorship as a creative producer. On-site in Ljubljana, the selected teams will also participate in the pitching presentation. The winning project(s) of this pitching competition will be invited and get direct access to the pitching competition at the CEE Animation Forum 2025.

This year’s edition of Rise and Shine received a record number of 45 applications from all over the world,  and 11 of them have been selected to participate. “We are extremely happy that, together with our friends from Animateka, we have had the opportunity to organize this wonderful program for the third year in a row. Fantastic mentors, excellent projects, and the progress they show, but above all, the incredible positive energy and mutual support provided by the workshop participants are the reasons why it is a great joy and privilege to provide a platform for their professional development,” said Matea Milić and Saša Bach from the Rise and Shine organizing team.

Selected projects of Rise and Shine 2024

1. Ant, d. & p. Jonatan Schwenk, Germany
2. Countergrowth, d. Mackenzie Fincham, p. Peter Lindhout, Spotted Bird, Netherlands
3. Foolish Fish Fable, d. Yiyang Sun and Lei Chia Hui, Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonia
4. Hungry Heart, d. Nikolina Žabčić, p. Andrijana Vidaček, Zagreb Film, Croatia
5. Margareth, d. Vivien Hárshegyi, p. Bella Szederkényi, CUB Animation, Hungary
6. Monster, d. Sofiya Kruglikova, p. Maja Zupanc, Invida, Slovenia
7. Of Words and Waves, d. Valène De Valck, p. Bastien Martin, Camera-etc, Belgium
8. Telegrams to the Tree, d. Julia Benedyktowicz, p. Dominika Krysiewicz, Animoon, Poland
9. The Dog, d. Mariia Ozirna, p. Oleg Nosov, Bosonfilm, Ukraine
10. The Molepire, d. Marek Čermák, p. Karolína Fránková, Films & Chips, Czech Republic
11. The Shoebox, d. Cristina Pîrvu, p. Helga Fodorean, Susana António, Safe Frame/COLA Animation, Romania/Portugal (qualified as the winner of Pitch, please! 2023, Animest Bucharest IAFF)

More info about selected projects is available at the CEE Animation website.

Rise and Shine is financially supported by Croatian Audiovisual Centre, City of Zagreb, Zagreb Tourist Board, Croatian Directors´ Guild, Acción Cultural Española, AC/E, Animateka International Animated Film Festival, Slovene Animated Film Association – DSAF, Czech Film Fund, Audiovisual Producers´ Association, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic.

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CEE Animation Forum banner © Vera van Wolferen

The 11^th edition of the CEE Animation Forum 2023 will present a selection of 28 exceptional European animated projects – feature films, series/TV specials, short films, and student works. Designed to captivate diverse audiences, from children to adults, these projects showcase the pinnacle of European animation creativity. The event, scheduled for November 8-9 in Pilsen, Czech Republic, not only provides a platform for pitching but also introduces the new innovative Market.

The project selection for CEE Animation Forum 2023 boasts a lineup, featuring a diverse range of animated content across four categories – feature films, series/TV specials, short and student films. The total budget of all 28 pitching projects reaches a staggering €29 million, showcasing the ambitious scale and potential impact of these productions. To cater to different target demographics, the selection includes 8 projects for children up to 10 years old, 6 projects for teenagers, 8 projects for young adults, and 7 projects aimed at adult audiences. Hungarian animation is the most represented with a total number of 5 projects, followed by Czech Republic (4), Estonia (3), Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain (2 each), Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Slovakia and Ukraine (1 each).

In terms of animation techniques employed, the projects demonstrate a captivating blend of artistic approaches. Drawing emerged as the most popular technique, utilized in 16 projects, followed closely by 2D animation in 14 projects. Additionally, the selection highlights the creative use of 3D animation in 7 projects and the distinct charm of stop motion animation in 7 projects, showcasing the versatility and craftsmanship within the industry.

In preparation for their final pitches, participating teams received invaluable guidance from esteemed tutors, Bonnie Williams, a renowned Pitch & Public Speaking Coach, and Karolina Davidova, an accomplished producer (13ka) with expertise in art management and film production.

 Meet the Jury Members

In the Feature Films category, the jury comprises Claudia Rudolph-Hartmann, a senior manager, international festivals and acquisitions at Global Screen; Delphine Maury, founder of the production company Tant Mieux Prod; and David Mouraire, a producer and a co-founder of Doghouse Films.

The five series and one TV Special will be judged by Denisa Dufková, head of planning for the children’s programme of Czech Television Déčko; Emmanuelle hevalier, a distinguished children’s film distributor at Les Films du Préau; and Leticia Montalvá Sánchez, a stop-motion producer at Pangur Animation.

The Short Films jury features Tam Dan Vu, an artistic director and Head of Communications at Travelling Distribution from Canada; Stéphanie Launay, a French producer (Komadoli studio and Scalae productions); and Carla Vulpiani, a film distributor at Varicoloured Holistic Film Agency.

The student works will follow Flóra Anna Buda, celebrated for her Cannes-winning film “27”; Stefan Michel, the co-founder of Studio Seufz,; and Léo Soesanto, a Paris-based film journalist, festival curator and writer.

New Innovative Tool ‘Market’

CEE Animation Forum 2023 introduces Market, a place designed to connect film professionals, offering them a platform to showcase their services, explore job opportunities, and find ideal partners for their ambitious projects. What sets this initiative apart is its accessibility; organizers have ensured Market remains visible and open to those without accreditation or unable to attend in person.

All attendees will also have the opportunity to follow two presentations – Crystel Poncet, former senior acquisitions manager at Canal+, gaining invaluable insights in the field of animated series; and the renowned Hungarian institution, the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest, introduces their new Animation MA programme in English.

The event will take place on November 8 and 9 in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Financial support for the event is provided by the Czech Film Fund, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic, Audiovisual Producers´ Association (Czech Republic), Pilsen Region (Czech Republic) and the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest.

Description of selected projects: ceeanimation.eu/forum/2023-cee-animation-forum/selected-projects

The post CEE Animation Forum 2023 Unveiling Line-Up and Introducing New Animation Market appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

Young Horizons Industry (Source: Young Horizons Industry)

It’s time to wrap up! During the award ceremony conducted by Maciej Jakubczyk, Young Horizons Department Director and Viola Gabrielli, Head of Young Horizons Industry Programme the winners have been announced.

ORKA award

“Princess Goldenhair”, Viktor Krištof, Jan Těšitel, Three Brothers Production, The Czech Republic
–> PLN 30,000 for the in-kind award for a post-production and VFX services at ORKA

2nd ORKA award

“Electric Wonder”, Pavla Klimešová, Helium Film, The Czech Republic
–> PLN 15,000 for a supporting service of ORKA in fundraising for co-production of a project with Poland

The both ORKA awards were presented by Alicja Gancarz, Head of Development, ORKA.

FIXAFILM award

“Pucio”, Paulina Talarska, Rafał Skarżycki, EGoFilm, Poland
–> PLN 30,000 for the in-kind award for a post-production and VFX services at FIXAFILM

The award was presented by Magda Janowska, Postproduction Manager, FIXAFILM.

Audiovisual Technology Center in Wrocław award

“Big Bang Parade”, Annemie Degryse, Martyna Koleniec, Lunanime,
–> PLN 45,000 for the in-kind award

The award was presented by Anna Szadkowska, Production Manager, Audiovisual Technology Center in Wrocław.

No Problemo Music award – two awards

“Pucio”, Paulina Talarska, Rafał Skarżycki, EGoFilm, Poland;
“Doggy Brawl”, Wojciech Stuchlik, Andrzej Duda, Under Ski Tower, Poland
–> A free music license for songs from the Audio Network’s library for their production and its promotional materials without restrictions on time, territory or fields of use

The awards were presented by Adam Romanowski, founder and CEO, No Problemo Music and Agnieszka Sękowska, General Manager, No Problemo Music.

m:brane award

“Fabled”, Arnar Benjamin Kristjansson, Guðni Lindal Benediktsson, Zik Zak Filmworks, Iceland
–> Direct access to official selection during m:brane 2024 in Sweden

The award was presented by Lennart Ström, Managing Director, m:brane.

CEE Animation Forum award

“The Grimmsons”, Zofia Jaroszuk, Anna Zychowicz, Konrad K. Mrozik, Laniakea Pictures
–> Direct access to out of competition presentations during CEE Animation Forum 2024 in the Czech Republic

The award was presented on behalf of CEE Animation Forum by Jakub Karwowski, President of the Board, SPPA – Polish Animation Producers Association.

Animarkt Stop Motion Forum Award

Natalia Durszewicz
> A free Animarkt Stop Motion Forum accreditation

Audience Award for the Best Pitching

“The Huggingtons”, Kjersti Greger, Lars Hegdal, Klipp og Lim
–> A free Young Horizons Industry accreditation for the Pitching Team members.

The award was presented by Maciej Jakubczyk and Viola Gabrielli.

Congratulations to all the winners!

The post Young Horizons Industry (Formally Kids Kino Industry) 2023 Winners Announced appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

For its 8th edition, the organizers received submissions from 32 countries. From among these, a committee of international experts made a final selection of 29 projects to be pitched during the upcoming edition of the Forum. The majority of the selected teams come from Central and Eastern Europe: 6 from the Czech Republic, 5 from Croatia, 3 from Hungary, and 1 project from Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. There are also 2 projects from France and 1 project from Germany, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and Spain.

In both categories (shorts and series/TV specials), the female proportion has exceeded 50% (directors & producers). With 8 series projects by female directors, the ratio has reached a record of 80%.

Competition participants can secure a chance to find a co-production partner by presenting their project in front of more than 250 film professionals, including producers, TV programmers, festival directors, distributors, investors or representatives of national film funds.

The pitching sessions will be followed by one-to-one meetings between the project representatives and their potential partners. In addition, the three-day programme offers a number of keynotes, masterclasses, debates and screenings.

The organizers offer the possibility of purchasing the Industry pass. To benefit from early bird rates, the registration must be done before March 31st.

Cricket & Antoinette / Cvrčak i Mrvica

CATEGORY FEATURE FILMS IN DEVELOPMENT

• Cricket & Antoinette / Cvrčak i Mrvica
  p. Dino Krpan, Diedra (Croatia)
  d. Luka Rukavina (Croatia)
• Fichtelberg
  p. Michal Kracmer, Cineart TV Prague (Czech Republic)
  d. Simon Koudela (Czech Republic)
• IGI / იგი
  p. Vladimer Katcharava, 20 Steps Productions (Georgia)
  d. Natia Nikolashvili (Georgia)
• King Wray
  p. Sorin Baican, Studioset (Romania)
  d. Anton & Damian Groves (Great Britain / Romania)
• Once We Meet
  p. Igor Zarol, Origin Tales (Serbia)
  d. Ivan Beres (Croatia)
• Salamanders / Mloci
  p. Aurel Klimt, Studio ZVON (Czech Republic)
  d. Aurel Klimt
• The Black Swallow
  p. Sebastien Hussenot, La Luna Productions (France)
  d. Louis J. Gore (France)
• Trouble Nubble Gum
  p. Michael Margulis, Studio KAPI (Ukraine)
  d. Rostyslav Garbar (Ukraine) 

  
  

CATEGORY SERIES / TV SPECIALS IN DEVELOPMENT

• A Little Pilot   
  p. Petr Babinec, Kouzelná animace (Czech Republic)
  d. Eliska Chytkova (Czech Republic)
• Annie & Carola   
  p. Myriam Ballesteros, MB Producciones (Spain)
  d. Myriam Ballesteros (Spain)
• Baldies    / Plešouni   
  p. Jiri Sadek, COFILM (Czech Republic)
  scriptwriter: Eliska Podzimkova (Czech Republic)
• Flying Kathy / Leteča Katka
  p. Jure Vizjak, Invida (Slovenia)
  d. Jernej Zmitek (Slovenia)
• Frickin’Times   
  p. Irek Krett, xkopp creative (Germany)
  d. Irek Krett
• Lemon and Elderflower       
  p. Justyna Rucinska, Likaon sp. z o. o. (Poland)
  d. Ilenia Cotardo (Italy)
• Little Grey Wolfy   
  p. Natalia Malykhina, Ulvenfilm AS (Norway)
  d. Natalia Malykhina
• Lola and Betty / Život s Lolom   
  p. Drasko Ivezic, Adriatic Animation (Croatia)
  d. Hana Tintor (Croatia)
• Milkshake Bar / Pieno Baras
  p. Agne Adomene, Art Shot (Lithuania)
  d. Urtė Oettinger (Lithuania)
• Ormhildur the Brave   
  p. Heather Millard, Compass Films (Iceland)
  d. Thorey Mjallhvit (Iceland)
  

CATEGORY SHORT FILMS IN DEVELOPMENT 

• 27 – My Last Day at Home   
  p. Gabor Osvath, BODDAH (Hungary)
  d. Flora Anna Buda (Hungary)
• Face Recognition / Näotuvastus   
  p. Kalev Tamm, Eesti Joonisfilm (Estonia)
  d. Martinus Klemet (Estonia)
• Hoodies and Sunglasses   
  p. Manon Messiant, Iliade et Films (France)
  d. Fabian Balogh (Hungary)
• In Her Face / Pelo na Venta   
  p. Mario Patrocínio, BRO Cinema (Portugal)
  d. Margarida Madeira (Portugal)
• Just Between Us / Među nama   
  p. Masa Udovicic, Luma Film (Croatia)
  d. Petra Balekic (Croatia)
• Love, Dad / Váš táta   
  p. Karolina Davidova, 13ka (Czech Republic)
  d. Diana Cam Van Nguyen (Czech Republic, Vietnam)
• No Happily Ever After / Dozvonil zvonec   
  p. Maria Motovska, Helium Film s.r.o. (Czech Republic)
  d. Gabriela Plackova (Czech Republic)
• The Garden of Heart / A szív kertje
  p. Balint Gelley, CUB Animation Ltd. (Hungary)
  d. Oliver Hegyi (Hungary)
• The Girl with the Golden Hair / Zlatovláska   
  p. Zuzana Jankovicova, Super film (Slovakia)
  d. Kaoru Furuko (Japan)
• The Pet Named Stress / Ljubimac zvan Stres   
  p. Drasko Ivezic, Adriatic Animation (Croatia)
  d. Laura Martinovic (Croatia)
• The Voice / La Voće   
  p. Vessela Dantcheva, Compote Collective (Bulgaria)
  d. Ivan Bogdanov (Bulgaria)

The selection for the VR Immersive Media category will be announced in March 2020. 

CEE Animation Forum takes place during the Anifilm International Festival of Animated Films (May 5 – 10, 2020, Liberec, Czech Republic).

The post 29 Projects Selected to Pitch at CEE Animation Forum 2020 appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.