The 32nd ITFS Focuses on Atmosphere, Exchange and Relevance
Skwigly
After a week dedicated to animation, the 32nd Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) concluded on Sunday, 11 May. For the first time, the Award Ceremony was held on Saturday evening—a successful change: on Sunday, audiences had the chance to see the winning films again on the big screen. The festival recorded approximately 30,000 visits to cinemas, the Festival Centre, the GameZone and exhibitions, along with around 40,000 visitors at the Open Air—a strong sign of the ITFS’s enduring appeal.
This year, the festival impressively demonstrated its ability to reach both loyal regulars and new audiences. Particularly in cinemas, a noticeable increase in new visitors was recorded—a development driven by fresh thematic programming.
“The ITFS reached a whole new level this year, both in terms of curatorial highlights and meaningful encounters. From Schlossplatz to the cinemas and the Festival Centre, the ITFS became a place of friendship and exchange—united by a passion for animation. Our conversations with filmmakers and guests from around the world clearly showed just how important this festival is. The overwhelmingly positive feedback confirms that we’re on the right track,” summarised ITFS managing director Heike Mozer and artistic director Annegret Richter.
A Home for the Industry
This was reflected in the numbers, too: together with the Animation Production Days (APD), the ITFS welcomed around 550 accredited guests from 23 countries—all experiencing the festival’s distinctive atmosphere. Filmmaker Heinrich Sabl, director of MEMORY HOTEL, describes the ITFS as both evolving and enduring:
“The festival has grown over the past decades, but it has remained a familiar place. It feels like coming home.”
What moves him most is the personal exchange: “A film is always an invitation to dialogue. And when the audience engages in that exchange, I believe that’s the most important thing about art.”
Anna Samo, director of THE WILD-TEMPERED CLAVIER and member of the pre-selection jury for the Student Competition, also highlighted the festival’s significance:
“Stuttgart brings back so many memories and friendships—old and new alike.”
The Festival Centre at the Haus der Katholischen Kirche became the vibrant heart of the industry—a place to pause, network, and creatively exchange ideas. The programme included talks, Q&As, masterclasses and studio presentations, offering valuable insights for professionals.
This year, the Festival Centre also opened its doors to the general public with an impressive exhibition of original puppets and film sets from Claude Barras’ stop-motion film SAUVAGES, offering audiences a glimpse behind the scenes and an opportunity to connect with the filmmakers.
New Venue for the GameZone Established
Short distances to all festival venues remained a hallmark in 2025: the GameZone found a new home in the Stuttgart Staatsgalerie. The venue was very well received, featuring nominees of the Animated Games Award Germany and innovative student projects from regional universities.
Handpicked Films in a Unique Atmosphere
The Open Air at Schlossplatz became a daily meeting point for thousands of visitors. The programme featured family films, curated short film selections and socially relevant works on themes such as peace, freedom and democracy. Two audience favourites were the Oscar-winning FLOW and Claude Barras’ SAUVAGES, accompanied by participatory activities for children and families.
Strong Demand for Educational Programmes
Schools and day care centres responded very positively to the curated film programmes with follow-up workshops—nearly all of which were fully booked. For many children, it was their first chance to experience the festival atmosphere at ITFS.
Closing with a Public Day and Award-Winning Films
Sunday was all about the audience: a highlight was the first-time screening of the ITFS Winners’ Reel, alongside several premieres and curated programmes for various target groups.
The awards had already been presented on Saturday evening, and the competition screenings had proven immensely popular—most were fully booked in advance. This reflects the strong demand and high esteem in which the ITFS’s thematic diversity and programming quality are held. The emotional depth and artistic sophistication of many works were echoed in audience reactions.
The juries also expressed their admiration for the outstanding quality and variety of this year’s films.
Tshepo Moche, jury member in the AniMovie feature film competition, remarked:
“The films were amazing and very diverse. I found it fascinating how different story threads were woven together—a testament to the programming and beautifully done.”
Raimund Krumme, jury member of the International Competition, highlights the emotional depth of many works: “You can sense how much personality is embedded in these films. I would also say that I’m still searching.”
The 33rd Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film will take place from 5 to 10 May 2026.