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 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.
Source: Cineuropa