In 2021 the CEE Animation Forum (26 April – 6 May), the regional pitching, financing and co-production event, was held online, with 40 animated projects showcased in 5 categories. And with an impressive list of award winning projects.
“The situation forced us to remain in the online environment. Taking it as an advantage, we decided to bring our content to the largest audience possible, and we live-streamed 80% of the programme for free. The first statistics surpassed all our expectations,” explains Matija Sturm, Managing Director.
International juries awarded various prizes (total amount of € 15,000 in cash) and free scholarships or direct access to prestigious European events. Among the winning projects were:
– Category Feature Films: BIRDS DON’T LOOK BACK by Nadia Nackle, France; from the Jury statement: “In recognition of the project’s poetic approach to a universal story. The combination of a talented and original female director supported by a well-established new generation producer is a desirable and promising constellation.”
– Category TV Series: THE OLIVE BUNCH by Magnus Kravik, Cyprus; from the Jury statement: “A promising 2D tale of friends and family with a sprinkle of magic taking place in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The content is a colourful splash in the carefree childhood that has the potential to captivate the young and young at heart. From the first images, you want to be part of this gang.” (picture header)
– Category Short Films: IBIS by Maria Burgues & Enric Sant, Spain.
– Audience Award: VAST BLUE ANTARCTICA by Christos Panagos, Cyprus.
Find all the winners of the CEE Animation Forum 2021 here.
The CEE Animation Talents, a selection of seven short films made by the most talented young animation filmmakers from Central and Eastern Europe will premiere at Anifilm IFAF 2021 (22-27 June, Liberec, Czech Republic).