The fifth edition of the Bucharest International Animation Film Festival (ABIFF) kicks off on May 30, marking a milestone with the introduction of an online pitch session for Romanian artists. From May 30 to June 1, animation enthusiasts from Bucharest and 12 other cities are invited to immerse themselves in the magic of animation through screenings, masterclasses, and workshops.

“Animation is an art of boundaries – between reality and imagination, between emotion and technology, between generations and cultures. ABIFF #5 invites us to step together beyond those limits, to explore new horizons and build creative bridges between artists and audiences. I strongly believe that only through openness and dialogue can we transform animation cinema into a vibrant, innovative, and truly international space. This edition offers real opportunities to Romanian artists through the pitch session, where their projects can be evaluated and supported by globally recognized experts – opening new paths for careers and international collaborations,” says Mirona Radu, filmmaker, researcher, and ABIFF’s artistic director.

Beyond showcasing the latest animated short films, acclaimed feature films, and a new wave of artists known for innovation and authenticity, ABIFF #5 aims to carry on the educational initiative from previous editions. The goal is to give young enthusiasts access to conversations with internationally renowned professionals, create new connections, and enrich their knowledge and skills – essential in a constantly evolving field like animation.

An example of this is the online masterclass on Animation Screenwriting, held by Dana Duma, film critic, author, and university professor at the National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale” in Bucharest. The session will begin by exploring the very essence of animation as a cinematic form of expression. Professor Dana Duma will discuss the particularities of writing for animation, highlighting differences from live-action or documentary films. “Animated scripts don’t follow the traditional three-act structure and emphasize metaphor, allowing time to be compressed or expanded,” she explains.

She will also cover elements such as the “illogical” logic of animated stories, the role of storyboarding in storytelling, and the importance of body language over facial expressions in characters. “Animation is a choreographic art form, and the script must consider the specifics of the animated materials, including their textures,” adds Dana Duma.

The masterclass promises to inspire and offer valuable insights into the creative process behind animation. It will be held online on Sunday, June 1, at 3:00 PM (local time), followed by a short Q&A session. Registration is still open via the form: https://forms.gle/YrdzoGEZQpVNU31x5. Participation is free, but registration is mandatory.

This year’s edition introduces a new highlight: an online pitch session dedicated to Romanian producers and artists, offering them the chance to present their projects in front of an international jury of animation professionals. The initiative aims to support local creativity, stimulate international collaboration, and open new perspectives for the development of Romanian animation cinema.

This year’s jury – Clémence Bragard, Kristel Tõldsepp, and Davide Abbatescianni – will carefully review the submitted projects and select the best pitch, which will receive a gross prize of 5,000 LEI.

Clémence Bragard is an independent curator in the animation industry who has worked with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and CNC France’s short film funds. She has extensive experience as a programmer, mentor, and advocate for professional animation education and is co-founder of "Keep Festive" and "Les Femmes s’Animent."

Kristel Tõldsepp is an accomplished producer and owner of A Film Estonia. With over two decades of experience, she has contributed to numerous animated films such as Asterix and the Vikings, Niko and the Way to the Stars, and Raggie. She brings a strong background in managing complex international animation projects.

Davide Abbatescianni is a respected film critic and journalist from Rome, frequently contributing to platforms like Cineuropa and Variety. A member of FIPRESCI, he has served on juries at major festivals including Annecy and Sarajevo. His deep expertise spans European cinema and animation, backed by training in directing and communication.

The same jury will also evaluate the two competitive sections: Children’s Animation and Author Animation, featuring a curated selection of 30 contemporary short films chosen by the festival’s curator and artistic director, Mirona Radu. Awards include the ABIFF Trophy and the Jury Prize for the Best Children’s Animated Film.

Following the selection process, the participants chosen for the pitch session are:

• Arabel Mina Bondarenco, Lost Characters
• Cristiana Apostol, Antares
• Dan Grossu, Zor and Pată on the Chocolate Planet
• George ve Gänæaard, SISYPHISH
• Laurenţiu Adrian Bondarenco, In Limbo
• Radu Cristian Nicolae, Until the Last One
• Paula Benu, Prayer for Ana
• Ştefan Buzea, The Adventure of Fram the Polar Bear

The pitch session will take place on Sunday, June 1, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Romanian time), and is open to those interested in attending the discussions. Prior registration is required via this form: https://forms.gle/HcuoHfLbC9uoDVvd6.

Participants will receive preliminary training from Anatoliy Lavrenishyn, film director and visual artist, graduate of the National University of Theatre, Film, and Television in Kyiv. Those who wish to join the pitching masterclass on Friday morning, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, can register today, May 29, using this form: https://forms.gle/QdHB3onEmxT3CVKf9.

As in previous years, both children and adults can enjoy hybrid and in-person workshops introducing them to the world of animated film. This year, five workshops will be held in Bucharest, Slănic-Prahova, Piteşti, Sinaia, and Alexandria. For more details, participants may contact the organizers at: mockra.productions@gmail.com.

Regarding the non-competitive film selection, the festival presents a remarkable variety of animations featuring stories and styles that captivate through originality and depth.

Premiering for the first time in Romania, Deep Sea by Xiaopeng Tian is a stunning Chinese animation that debuted at Berlinale 2023. The film combines a touching story with impressive visuals inspired by traditional Chinese painting and Western influences. It follows a brave girl on a hypnotic journey through an underwater world filled with magical creatures, exploring profound themes such as self-discovery and hope, setting a new standard for animated filmmaking.

Also featured is Loving Vincent, a groundbreaking animation that tells the story of Vincent van Gogh’s life and mysterious death using a unique technique: every frame is hand-painted in the artist’s style, totaling over 65,000 paintings. This visually stunning film brings to life the characters and events surrounding Van Gogh and is recognized with multiple awards and nominations, including Oscar and BAFTA nods. It is showcased in the ABIFF Classic section for its historical and aesthetic value.

In the Focus Poland section, audiences will discover a selection that reflects bold artistic spirit and exploration of new animation frontiers. Created by students and graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, these films combine diverse techniques – from hand-drawn animation to stop motion and 3D – tackling topics such as the human-nature relationship and contemporary psychological dilemmas. This selection promises a unique experience for fans of unconventional, cutting-edge animation.

Winner of the Jury Prize at Annecy 2024 and premiering in Romania, Living Large by Kristina Dufková is an animated feature following Ben, a 12-year-old boy dealing with weight and self-acceptance issues. On his journey, Ben learns to embrace himself. The film thoughtfully explores themes such as bullying, complicated family relationships, and the importance of self-esteem – all set in a vibrant, emotionally rich animated world.

The latest film by renowned director Michel Gondry, Maya, donne-moi un titre (Maya, Give Me a Title), premiered at Berlinale 2025 and is brought to ABIFF #5 for its Romanian premiere. This sensitive and humorous film tells the story of Gondry’s relationship with his daughter Maya, capturing the transition from childhood to adolescence. It offers an intimate and playful perspective on the director’s creative process and highlights the special bond between father and daughter in a heartfelt, authentic portrait.

ABIFF #5 is dedicated to education, intercultural dialogue, and professional development, aiming to create a lasting impact on the Romanian animation community by fostering both local and international collaboration.

Written by News.ro | 29 mai 2025, 11:54