Fest Anča 2025 Shakes the Animation World: The Winning Films
– Fest Anča International Animation Festival announced its laureates for the 18th edition
– The Anča Award for Best Animated Short was granted to “I Died in Irpin”
– “Overture” scooped up the Best Slovak Animated Short award
– The victorious titles are inching closer to an Oscar® Award, thanks to Fest Anča being the only Slovak Festival holding that unique Oscar-qualifying status.
On The Path To Oscar Glory
With an Oscar® nod now within grasp, both “I Died in Irpin” and “Overture” are putting on their bow ties and rehearsing their acceptance speeches. Fest Anča once again proves to be a launching pad for animators, offering them the golden ticket towards nabbing an Oscar® Award.
“I Died in Irpin” and “Overture” Raise the Bar for 3D Animation
These animations didn’t just win an award, they’re also fuelling a revolution in the world of animation. With these gems, the bar for what audiences should expect from 3D animation, has sailed right through the roof.
In conclusion, it’s clear that Fest Anča continues to be a powerhouse in showcasing the crests of animation art. “I Died in Irpin” and “Overture” are not just winners in Slovakia, but contenders on a global stage. Let’s not forget, an Oscar® might be waiting at the end of this rainbow for these animated marvels. So take note, if you’ve ever doubted the importance of Anča, thy name shall no longer be animation non-believer. Remember my words when these gems start their red carpet strut work and perhaps, we might have an Oscar® star or two taking birth right in Slovakia. Anča, handing out golden tickets and elevating Slovakian animation to stratospheric levels, one award at a time!
Announcing the award winners of the 18th Fest Anča International Animation Festival, with the top prize for Best Animated Short going to I Died in Irpin, and Overture securing the title for Best Slovak Animated Short. These celebrated titles are now Academy Awards® contenders, with Fest Anča being the sole Oscar® qualifying festival in Slovakia. The international jury this year recognizes films echoing the turmoil of our era, corresponding with the festival’s 2025 theme – OUR BODIES.
Top Animated Short Film: I Died in Irpin (dir. Anastasiia Falileieva)
Festival’s Best Animated Short
The paramount award was bestowed upon I Died in Irpin, under the direction of Ukrainian director Anastasiia Falileieva. This poignant short film is a co-production by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine, depicting a woman and her partner escaping Kiev amid the happenings of February 24, 2022. Members of the international jury – Sara Koppel, Raman Djafari, and Aneta Ozorek – lauded the film’s potent global and personal narrative.
French film Exploding Girl, directed by Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel, received a Special Mention for its riveting storytelling of a girl who snaps under the pressure of the present world crisis.
Most Notable Student Animated Short
The jury also conferred the Anča Award for Best Student Animated Short on Mother’s Child, a film by director Naomi Noir. This Dutch title explores the dual role a mother plays as a caregiver for her disabled child, with a sensitive and impactful narrative.
German film Pear Garden, by Shadab Shayegan, received a Special Mention for its touching depiction of a child facing loss and finding solace.
Top Slovak Animated Short
The student film Overture directed by Jakub Hronský emerged as the winner in the Slovak competition. The film uses humanoid insects to morph the world around a Bratislava housing estate, creating a unique visual experience.
A Special Mention was given to Boiling Shapes by Samuel Škrabálek, which impressed the jury with its distinct framing and surrealistic world creation.
Perfect Animated Music Video and Outstanding Animated Short for Children
The Music Video Jury was won over by Taiwanese director Jeci Chen’s video Castle, which showcased an unusual, medieval-inspired universe.
Costa Rican entry Autopollo, directed by Julian Gallese, earned a Special Mention for its inventive aesthetic and dynamic videography.
The Best Animated Short for Children was picked by a dedicated children’s jury. It awarded the Belgian film Bobel’s Kitchen by Fiona Rolland for its intriguing storyline of a poisonous mushroom that bakes tempting treats.
All the winning films will be featured in the Best of Fest Anča 2025 screening programme.
The 18th Fest Anča International Animation Festival 2025 gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Audiovisual Fund, the LITA Fund, and the SPP Foundation.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/fest-anca-2025-winning-films-our-bodies-in-a-collapsing-world/