ABIFF – Animation Bucharest International Film Festivalthe annual event dedicated to animation, successfully concluded its fourth edition, offering audiences a memorable cinematic experience in the first part of September.
The festival attracted hundreds of enthusiastic spectators in partner cinemas in Bucharest and 11 other cities in the country, including Pitesti, Sinaia, Alexandria, Slănic-Prahova, Brad, Caransebeș, Lupeni, Oțelu Roșu, Petroșani, Reșita and Vulcan. Dozens of young animation enthusiasts participated in workshops and masterclasses, demonstrating the increased interest in this artistic field.
“Beyond film screenings that connect audiences, ABIFF means a learning platform and a source of inspiration.”, Mirona Radudirector artistic ABIFF.
This year’s edition featured a diverse selection of films, from exceptional contemporary animation to classic masterpieces, captivating audiences of all ages. The screenings, workshops and masterclasses held by professionals from Romania, Great Britain and Lithuania were a source of inspiration for all those present.
The festival also included a special section dedicated to animation films and visual experiments created by UNATC students and graduates, offering a perspective on the future of Romanian animation.
The 22 short films that were selected in the children’s animation competition and the author’s animation film competition were evaluated by an international jury composed of Vlad Ioachimescu (Romania) – PhD university lecturer and Dean of the Faculty of Film, UNATC, with extensive experience in sound design and visual effects, Lilia P. Schneider (Germany/Ukraine) – producer, author and director of animated films, specialized in digital content and VR cinematic storytelling, Eirini Vianelli (Greece) – director, screenwriter and award-winning animator with works presented and awarded at renowned international festivals and Ilija Tatić (Serbia) – festival producer with rich experience in organizing and promoting cultural events. The following awards and mentions were awarded:
- Honorable Mention in the Author Animation Section: “OF EMPIRE”, director: Alessandro Novelli, Portugal
The Jury’s Argument: “DE IMPERIO” by Alessandro Novelli is extremely impressive with its abstract and multifaceted storytelling, with traditional hand-drawn animation, unique graphic choices and a very well-made music and sound composition. Together with the jury team, we decided to award a special attention to this work of art.”
- Honorable Mention in the Children’s Animation Section: “MY NAME IS EDGAR AND I HAVE A COW“, director: Filip Diviak, Czech Republic
The Jury’s Argument: “MY NAME IS EDGAR AND I HAVE A COW” brilliantly juxtaposes dry humor with subtle yet profound observations on human nature. From the consequences of our actions to dealing with loneliness, this film left us wanting to become better people, to like Edgar.”
- Award for Best Animation in the Author Animation Section: “Only Paper”, Director: Maxime Vouillon, France
The Jury’s Argument: “For the wonderful and moving way of conveying a simple and meaningful story not only on paper but also on the screen, for the skilful merging of all the audio-visual ingredients that make up excellent animated films, the Authors’ Section Award goes to Maxime Vouillon for “Only Paper “
- Award for Best Animation in the Children’s Animation Section: “The Turnip“, Director: Piret Sigus, Silja Saarepuu, Estonia
The Jury’s Argument: “Inspired by an old folk tale and presented through a sophisticated animation technique, ‘The Turnip’ brings the old story to life from the perspective of those underground. Portraying the characters with charming humor, it captures emotions and choices in a remarkable visual aesthetic and authentic sound design.”
The festival also awarded a prize for the entire activity of the Romanian director Constantin Păun, offered by DACIN SARA.
ABIFF is a festival dedicated to animation, distinguished by diversity, innovation and community involvement. With a varied and rich program, ABIFF offers a unique and educational cinematic experience for all ages.
ABIFF Animation Bucharest International Film Festival #4 is produced de Mockra Productions and co-financed by The Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN).
The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.
Partners: DACIN SARA, National University of Theater and Cinematography “ILCaragiale din Bucharest”, Cinemax Veranda
Media partners: Radio Romania Cultural, IQads, Ziarul Metropolis, LiterNet.ro, Happ.ro, Cinefan.ro, Aarc.ro, Movie News, Filme-cărți.ro, Investigatoria.
Source: www.iqads.ro
