– **The 16th Weird Market, an international showcase for animation, videogames, and new media, has confirmed 36 animation short films for its upcoming competition**. From bold strokes in graphic storytelling to animated autobiographies straight out of the angst department, the competition is set to sizzle with creativity.
– **Following with the emphasis on promoting talent, twelve companies are participating in the Weird Market’s recruitment day**. Crack open the portfolios and dust off those CVs, because the animation industry isn’t all fun and motion capture – it’s also about business and employment!
– **The festival and the recruitment session are two identifying features of the Weird Market**. The perfect blend of flair and function, allow you to feast your eyes on the latest in animation while also potentially jumping into the action yourself.
A Blend of Art and Opportunities at the 16th Weird Market
36 Short Films in Competition & 12 Companies Eyeing Talent
Weird Market: Where Animation is not just Weird, It’s Business
And now for my sizzling hot take: Animation festivals like the 16th Weird Market aren’t just weird – they’re positively extraterrestrial! Where else do you get to marvel at the absolute best in 3D wizardry, stop-motion mastery and digital dream-weaving while also scoring some potential job interviews? The Weird Market is a bit like a superhero movie set in a job fair. Sure, there’s epic action, mind-bending visuals, and creativity that’s off the charts – but who knows? You may also walk away with a totally non-metaphorical golden ticket to animate for a living! Weird Market, you existential paradox, we salute you!
Announcing the 36 enthralling animated short films showcased at the 16th Weird Market WFest and the 12 companies joining the recruitment day. The distinctive features of this animation, videogame, and new media market are its immersive festival and a dedicated session promoting job opportunities in the industry. The festival takes place at Filmoteca Valenciana (Rialto Building) on October 1st, 2nd and 3rd, while the engaging meetings between industry professionals and talent scouts are set for the morning of October 2nd at Las Naves.
Image Courtesy: Weird Market
Every year, WFest showcases a plethora of works testifying to the global dynamism and creativity of the animation industry. This year, 11 domestic productions and 25 international ones will be a part of the stiff competition.
The Spanish segment features works tailored for adults along with family-friendly ones, assuring a blend of seasoned and budding creators. Animation industry stalwarts like Víctor Monigote and director-duo Carlos F. De Vigo and Lorena Ares, along with Omar Al Abdul Razzak and Shira Ukrainitz will be competing as well.
An impressive lineup including Victor Bonafonte, Nacho Arjona “Naolito” on his directorial debut and Valencia’s very own Sam Orti will grace the official segment. The edition will also feature the premiere of Buffet Paraíso by Héctor Zafra and Santi Amézqueta, winners of the Weird Market Movistar Plus+ Short Project Award 2022.
Others in the lineup include works like Pablo Ballarín’s adaptation of Fermín Solís’ graphic novel Medea a la deriva, Alex Rey’s tribute to legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, and a piece by the event’s well-known participant, Choche Hurtado.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 25 SHORT FILMS FROM 20 COUNTRIES
The international segment will welcome 25 short films from 20 countries, reflecting a captivating mix of worldwide animation trends dealing with a medley of themes and employing techniques such as 3D, 2D, stop motion, and paper drawing. Productions and co-productions are from countries as diverse as Hungary, the United States, Slovakia, Greece, Iran, Denmark, Iceland, Japan, and South Korea among others.
The selection comprises works awarded at highly acclaimed festivals globally including Berlin, Annecy, Sundance, Venice, and Cannes. Notably, it will feature the Palme d’Or short film winner,27 by talented Hungarian filmmaker Flóra Anna Buda.
Two trailblazing women, Iran’s Yegane Moghaddam and Netherlands-based Nina Gantz, also feature prominently in the event. Moghaddam comes with her Oscar-nominated short, Our Uniform and Gantz, a BAFTA nominee, with her latest project, Wander to Wonder.
As per José Luis Farias, the director of Weird Market, the blend of seasoned and debutant filmmakers ensures “a selection of the highest quality”.
12 STUDIOS SCOUTING OVER A HUNDRED CANDIDATES AT THE RECRUITMENT DAY
The Weird Market is a plethora of presentations, conferences, networking spaces, screenings, amongst other activities. Quitessentially, its role as a catalyst to nurture talent is a key defining characteristic. The Recruitment Day aptly embodies this ethos. This year, 12 international studios will be scouting for a vibrant pool of candidates.
The Recruitment Day activities will be hosted at Las Naves, one of this year’s new venues. A diverse range of companies including 3Doubles Producciones, Hampa Studio, Lightbox Animation Studios, and Flying Bark Productions amongst others have confirmed their participation.
Interested candidates should complete their registration via the event website (https://weirdmarket.es/en/) by September 13rd or until available slots get filled.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/weird-market-confirms-36-short-films-in-competition-12-companies-participating-in-the-recruitment-day/