26/02/2024 - The workshop enters its sixth year showcasing a blend of innovation and diverse talent from across Europe, with the introduction of its first XR project in 2024

Red Zone by Irina Tsilyk

In its sixth year, the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Animation Workshop is set to welcome a new array of projects from the animation industry and participants from across Europe. This year's edition underscores the workshop's continued commitment to fostering talent within the CEE region and countries with lower production capacities. Out of 38 applications spanning 26 countries, 12 projects and 28 participants from 13 nations have been meticulously selected to partake in the 2024 programme.

The workshop, renowned for its dynamic and inclusive approach, is particularly excited to introduce its first extended reality (XR) project. This inclusion marks a significant milestone, reflecting the workshop's dedication to embracing emerging technologies within the animation industry. Saša Bach, the Managing Director of the CEE Animation Workshop, expressed enthusiasm about the diverse and inspiring selection of projects and participants for this year, adding: “We are preparing a rich and intense training for 2024 and are excited to visit Lithuania and Croatia during our residential modules this year. There, we will put a spotlight on their animation industries.”

The CEE Animation Workshop 2024 will feature a diverse portfolio of projects, including four short animated films, one animated series, one TV special, five animated feature films, and the notable XR animated film. Additionally, two career-oriented participants have been invited to join, further expanding the workshop's scope.

Building on the success of its five previous editions, the workshop offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to support animation professionals at various stages of their projects. From expert lectures and moderated discussions to collaborative group work and personalised consultations, participants will gain invaluable insights into the animation industry. The programme aims to guide each project from its conceptual phase to a market-ready production package, with career-focused participants receiving tailored mentoring to refine their professional trajectories and company strategies.

Producers Tonje Skar Reiersen from Mikrofilm (Norway) and Corinne Destombes from Folimage (France), alongside veteran script consultants Phil Parker (UK) and Rita Domonyi (Hungary), will return as group leaders. Their extensive experience and expertise are set to provide invaluable guidance to the participants.

The workshop's structure comprises four modules, balancing online and on-site interactions. The inaugural module will kick off in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 26 February to 2 March 2024, bringing together over 30 representatives from the local animation industry. The second residential module is scheduled to take place by the Croatian seaside from 29 July to 4 August, promising a blend of inspiration and picturesque settings.

The selected animated projects for 2024:

Feature films

Finding Home - Trond Morten Kristensen Venaasen (Norway)
Producers: Lilian Løvseth, Trollfilm

Kopli, with Love - Sander Joon (Estonia)
Producers: Aurelia Aasa, AAA Creative

Red Zone - Irina Tsilyk (Ukraine)
Producers: Darya Bassel, Moon Man

Riamise - Francesco Forti (Italy)
Producers: Federico Turani, Ibrido Studio

Saima - Scenes from a Midlife Crisis - Chintis Lundgren (Croatia)
Producers: Draško Ivezić, Adriatic Animation

TV series

Rainy Days - Dimiter Ovtcharov (Bulgaria)
Producer: Ani Antonova Hristova

TV special

The Great War of Marie Curie - Camille Alméras (France)
Producers: Delphine Schmit, Tripode Productions

Short films

Conductor - Antanas Skucas (Lithuania)
Producers: Justė Michailinaitė, BROOM Films

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe! - Andreaa Szelesová (Czech Republic)
Producers: Kristina Škodová, Cinepoint

Pearls and Bikes - Haidy Kancler (Slovenia)
Producers: Maja Zupanc, Invida

The Black Fox - Elene Murjikneli (Georgia)
Producers: Margo Zubashvili, The Black Fox Animation

XR short film

Eglė, the Queen of Serpents - Tomas Mitkus (Lithuania)
Producers: Vaida Nedzinskaitė-Mitkė, Studio Mitkus

Career-orientated participants

Ildiko Takacs, producer, Liberty, Hungary
Martin Lorenz, producer, LWZ Design & Animation, Austria

The CEE Animation Workshop is organised with the support of the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme of the European Union. The CEE Animation Workshop 2024 is supported by the Lithuanian Film Center, Croatian Audiovisual Centre and the Ministry of Public Administration, Republic of Slovenia.