CEE Animation Forum, the leading regional pitching, financing, and co-production market for European animated projects, took place in Pilsen from November 4–6, 2025. Following two intensive days of pitching sessions, one-on-one meetings, networking, and a panel discussion focused on co-development funding for European animation, the awards were presented to the winning pitches.
A total of 29 projects from 15 countries, spanning four categories: 9 short films, 8 student shorts, 6 TV series, and 6 feature films, were included in the Pitching Competition. The selected projects, with a combined production budget exceeding 36 million EUR, target audiences ranging from children (12 projects) and teenagers/young adults (7) to adult viewers (10).
Marta Jallageas, Managing Director of the CEE Animation Forum, said:
“CEE Animation Forum again showcased the incredible line-up with extraordinary market potential. Judging by this year’s selection, the future of European animation looks very bright. As always, we are especially proud to see projects that have grown through our CEE Animation Workshop and Rise and Shine pitching lab, already making strides in their artistic journey.“
CEE Animation Forum juries have announced the winners in the four main categories. The Audience Award, CEE Animation Workshop Award and six partners’ awards were also presented. A total of 50,000 EUR in cash and non-monetary awards recognized the standout projects of this year’s Forum.
CEE Animation Forum 2025 Awards:
AUDIENCE AWARD
- Winner – Tulip, d. Juli Tudisco, p. Valentin Maupin; Avec ou sans Vous (France)
FEATURE FILM CATEGORY
- Winner – Until Death Unites Us, d. & s. Nawojka Wierzbowska & Natalia Krawczuk, p. Zuzanna Maszka, GS Animation (Poland)
Jury statement: For the courageous, fresh and authentic approach to traditionally heavy and taboo topics – explored through the disarming power of humor and universally relatable characters; for the strong potential of reaching additional target groups – we award the CEE Animation Forum prize to a dark comedy that will warm hearts all over.
- Special Mention – Pink Punk Delta, d. Alba Sotorra, p. Alba Sotorra, Paula G. Cortacans & Juraj Krasnohorsky; ALBA SOTORRA (Spain) Artichoke (Slovakia)
Jury statement: This project has enchanted us with its refreshing watercolor and graffiti street-art aesthetics and its heartfelt story about growing up and finding one’s place in the world. The film is very talkative to its target group and its visual and musical language feels very fresh to the audience. It connects family bonds with a powerful ecological and activist message, all with great tenderness and care. Pink Punk Delta is a touching reminder that true change often begins with imagination, empathy, and the courage to act and that the best vacations are born when we least expect them.
TV SERIES CATEGORY
- Winner – Tulip, d. Juli Tudisco, p. Valentin Maupin; Avec ou sans Vous (France)
Jury statement: We award a series that is sincere, humorous and based on real life experiences. We find it relatable for wide audiences across platforms and media. We appreciate its colourful but sensitive balance in depiction of relationships. We are convinced that young audiences want to see themselves represented in animation. The series universe has great potential for more material and sequels.
- Special Mention – Scope of the Universe, s. Anja Manou Hellem, p. Lillian Løvseth; LØV Film (Norway)
Jury statement: Original, exciting programme for tweens that can bring the audience to take a break from daily hectic life and think for themselves. We appreciate its ambitious visual style and how the show can inspire curiosity in young audiences.
SHORT FILM CATEGORY
- Winner – I’m Not Nearly Cool Yet, d. Anastazja Naumenko, p. Maks Piłasiewicz; Blurred (Poland)
Jury statement: A personal perspective on a social and historical reality developed in an original way. A solid and coherent project where the visuals and film’s essence and the genuine relationship of the director to the subject align seamlessly.
- Special Mention – The Molepire, d. & s. Marek Cermak, p. Hana Blaha Šilarová & Karolína Fránková; Films & Chips (Czechia)
Jury statement: A rich and refreshing family comedy about friendship, solidarity, and bravery, engaging kids and adults alike, who will appreciate the story’s depth and layers. The inventive mix of techniques enhance one another, elevating the film’s quality and message.
RISING STARS – STUDENT FILM CATEGORY
- Winner – Ergot, d. Damjan Lazin, p. Zsuzsanna Vincze; Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (Hungary)
Jury statement: A story inspired by personal memories, presented with a vivid series of images to create a compelling narrative addressing toxic masculinity and the consequences of the desire for control.
- Special Mention – Reus, d. & p. Ondrej Tesnar, p. Alexandra Chovanová; Tomas Bata University (Czechia)
Jury statement: A strong pitch for a debut film brimming with ambition, with a style and animation that is spot on and full of love for popular action cinema.
CEE Animation Workshop Award
Winner – Tulip, d. Juli Tudisco, p. Valentin Maupin; Avec ou sans Vous (France)
Ciclic Residency
- Winner – Tense, d. Konrad Hjemli, p. Tonje Skar Reiersen & Lise Fearnley; Mikrofilm (Norway)
Travelling Distribution Award
- Winner – Lunar Landscape, d. Foivos Chalkiopoulos, p. Louis Kaiser; Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf (Germany)
Jury statement: For its breathtaking and visually compelling universe, its work of composition on atmosphere and landscaping, its clever multi-point of view storytelling, its universal portrayal of our need for connection and warmth in a desolate world, the Travelling Distribution Award goes to Lunar Landscape.
- Special Mention – Tense, d. Konrad Hjemli, p. Tonje Skar Reiersen & Lise Fearnley; Mikrofilm (Norway)
Jury statement: For the simplicity of its concept, for its charming deadpan humor, for its invested attention to craft and cleverly form-specific translation of a physical experience, the special mention goes to Tense.
Cartoon – direct access
- Winner – CARTOON MOVIE – Until Death Unites Us, d. & s. Nawojka Wierzbowska & Natalia Krawczuk, p. Zuzanna Maszka; GS Animation (Poland)
- Winner – CARTOON FORUM – Tolo & Bolo, d. & p. Aleksander Matuszewski, s. Szymon Wroblewski; p. Filmograf (Poland)
TVPaint – animation license
- Winner – Lunar Landscape, d. Foivos Chalkiopoulos, p. Louis Kaiser; Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf (Germany)
Jury statement: A film with strong visual identity using intriguing images to develop themes of isolation and disconnection; it builds a singular world and mood, leading to a deeply moving ending.
Young Horizons Industry – direct access
- Winner – The Golden Butterfly, d., p. & s. Goce Cvetanovski; Makedonska Krepost (North Macedonia)
BRATROnice Residency
- Winner – Reus, d. Ondřej Tešnar, p. Ondřej Tešnar & Alexandra Chovanová; Tomas Bata University, Pirogy Studios (Czechia)
CEE Animation Forum is financially supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, co-financed by the governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund, Czech Audiovisual Fund, Audiovisual Producers´Association Czechia, the Ministry of Culture Czechia, Czech-German Future Fund and Pilsen Region.
