14/11/2023 - The event has lauded other notable awardees, like Rainy Days and Nightbloom, showcasing the diverse talent and innovative storytelling within Central and Eastern European animation

The team behind Nine Lives Left with their award (© CEE Animation Forum)

The 2023 CEE Animation Forum (see the news), Central and Eastern Europe's premier pitching and networking event dedicated to animated projects, has recently announced its award winners. The event showcased a diverse array of 28 projects across four categories, with 12 receiving awards or Special Mentions, thus showcasing the rich landscape of animation in the region. In the Feature Films category, the main prize was awarded to Nine Lives Left by Zacharias Mavroeidis and Maria Kontogianni, from Greece. The animated road movie traces the story of Chantal, a young cat on a Greek island. After a summer with a vacationing family, she leads a group of strays – including her brother Tonto, Tomcat Pedro, Lady Lele, old Rasmus and Purr-Purr – on a journey of self-discovery and survival. The film, recognised for its unique portrayal of life's transitions and desires, questions the true nature of domestication.

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The Series/TV Specials jury honoured Rainy Days by Ani Antonova Hristova with the top accolade. This animated series humorously follows the adventures of four little raindrops eager to grow up, and was praised for its originality and poetic narrative. In the Short Films category, Nightbloom by Kata Gugić and Vanja Andrijević, from Croatia, emerged victorious. The film weaves together the stories of various characters over a single night, blending surreal and humorous elements in a cityscape blooming with night flowers. It reflects the director's fascination with the mystical qualities of nighttime and the unconventional allure of night-blooming flora. The Rising Stars category highlighted the emerging talent of Agnes Milla Bereczki with her project Stuck in a Wasp Nest. The film delves into the profound impact of phobias on a woman's life, drawing a parallel between the unpredictability and tension of both an encounter with a wasp and a romantic date. It was lauded for its blend of personal storytelling, humour and unique visuals.

The Audience Award was won by My Little Heroes by Javier Galán and Ivan Agenjo. This animated series features Olivia and her brother Bruno, along with their pet cat Mr Dog, embarking on adventures with younger versions of famous historical figures, learning that true heroism comes from personal struggles and innate abilities. Additional award categories included the CEE Animation Workshop, Ciclic Residency, TV Paint, Cartoon Movie – Direct Access, Young Horizons Industry – Direct Access, and Animarkt Stop Motion Forum – Direct Access, recognising a broad spectrum of projects and talents within Central and Eastern European animation.

Marta Jallageas, managing director of the CEE Animation Forum, stated: “I am very proud of every team on the stage – from debuting students fearlessly stepping in front of a professional audience for the first time to experienced filmmakers unveiling a multitude of highly ambitious projects. Their creativity and courage defined the essence of our CEE Animation Forum.”

Financial support for the event was provided by the Czech Film Fund, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Audiovisual Producers’ Association, the Pilsen region and the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest.

Here is the full list of award winners at the 2023 CEE Animation Forum:

Feature Films

Winner
Nine Lives Left - Zacharias Mavroeidis (Greece)
Producer: Maria Kontogianni (Wild at Heart)

Series/TV Specials

Winner
Rainy Days - Ani Antonova Hristova (Austria/Bulgaria)
Producer: Ani Antonova Hristova
Special Mention
Dolls - Joachim Hérissé (France)
Producer: Stéphanie Launay (Komadoli Studio)

Short Films

Winner
Nightbloom - Kata Gugić (Croatia)
Producer: Vanja Andrijević (Bonobostudio)
Special Mention
Be Still My Heart - Melinda Kádár (Hungary)
Producer: Bella Szederkényi (CUB Animation)

Rising Stars

Winner
Stuck in a Wasp Nest - Agnes Milla Bereczki (Estonia)
Special Mention
It Is (Not) Yours - Santiago Ordoñez (Estonia)

Audience Award
My Little Heroes - Javier Galán (Spain/Belgium)
Producer: Ivan Agenjo (Peekaboo Animation), Fabrique Fantastique

CEE Animation Workshop Award
Riamise - Francesco Forti (Italy)
Producer: Federico Turani (IBRIDO Studio)

Ciclic Residency Award
Nightbloom - Kata Gugić

TV Paint Award
Eruption - Zoe Nagy (Hungary)

Cartoon Movie – Direct Access Award (ex aequo)
Dr. Howl - Joanna Jasińska-Koronkiewicz (Poland)
Producer: Anna Mroczek (Likaon | WJT)

MouMoush – The King of Plastic - Milorad Krstic (Hungary)
Producer: Radmila Roczkov (Mumus Production Ltd)

Young Horizons Industry – Direct Access Award
Rainy Days - Ani Antonova Hristova

Animarkt Stop Motion Forum – Direct Access Award
Dolls - Joachim Hérissé