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 Chevalier, 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.
