Several projects pitched at VAF are already coproductions, a sign of the changing production blueprint for animation projects emerging in CEE. Koyaa directed by Kolya Saksida and produced by Matija Sturm for Slovenia’s ZVIKKS production house, has completed two episodes in coproduction with Poland and Croatia, and told the packed audience that Hungary has also expressed interest in the 13-episode series. Slovenia, whose film industry is riding a crest at festivals and at home, also got a special mention nod for its short film pitch, The Weasel directed by Timon Leder and produced by Jure Vizjak for Invida.

VAF was also an opportunity to catch the debuts of promising young producers such as Anna Mrozek of WJTeam, producer of The Advisers of King Hydrops which is directed by Natalia Brozynska.

VAF, founded by Michal Prochazka in 2012, offered a platform for eight animated TV series and seven animated short films. TV executives from Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia were effusive in their praise for the quality of projects. The three-day forum included case studies, one-on-one meetings, consultations on pitching and a follow-up on the winning projects from the 2013 VAF.

Along with offering a meeting point for animation filmmakers, buyers, programmers, and producers, VAF brought together fledgling national animation associations from Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovenia. Organizers stressed the different circumstances facing CEE animators within Europe and their need for their own pitching platform. At the same time, Anifilm festival director Tomas Rychesky told FNE that VAF is an important addition to the festival. Anifilm funded half of the costs of VAF. Meanwhile national animation association directors committed continued support to VAF, which will return to Trebon in 2015.