PEOPLE OF ANIBAR: Festival Journalism Workshop

Anibar comes to its end. Within the course of one week we have all developed individual perspectives, expectations and valuations over what is Anibar

As much as our opinions differ, we probably might agree on one thing: it is a community-oriented festival. And this means that here all forms of ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking are encouraged, stimulated and appreciated. This festival’s feature brought our attention to frequently underappreciated parts of the programme such as music videos and „out of competition” selections. We have also talked with the jurors Koji Yamamura (main competition) and Lum Radoniqi and Qëndrim Spahija (student competition) to understand their artistic sensitivities and world outlook before they announce 10th Anibar winners. You will our full articles in the News section on www.anibar.org.

 

Curating Hopes & Fears or the Hopes & Fears of Curating?

— Enxhi Noni

As soon as you put your hands on the Anibar Animation Festival program, you might get lost in the midst of the overwhelming possibilities. You can choose either to attend the rich competition screenings, sharpen your curiosity during presentations and discussion panels, master your skills on workshops, gather insights with animation professionals while having a coffee, or just have a great time at the after parties. It may all seem handed on a silver plate, however, organizing the festival requires a certain sparkle of magic. Implicitly, the staff’s efforts are concentrated on transmitting festival’s mission and civic engagement by the choice of films. An inspiring focus is cast on the “out of competition” category which suggests a different approach to raising cultural awareness for the community. 

 

Drawing the line. Defining music videos through Anibar’s 2019 selection

— Kleidi Eski

Every time I meet people at the festivals and tell them that I make music videos, I feel the necessity to continue with “but”… In a few cases, it is even a conversation killer. The genre itself is often associated with marketing and promotional content. But some music videos are created as works of art of their own. Where does Anibar draw the line?

When the Master Comes to Town: Conversation with Koji Yamamura

— Gojko Dimic

10th Anibar Animation Festival welcomed talented animators from all over the globe. This year the judge of these talents is none other than the Japanese master of animation, Koji Yamamura. Oscar 2002 nominee for his short animated film Mt. Head, Yamamura is a member of the jury for the International Competition. He will also screen a portion of his filmography on Sunday at noon at Jusuf Gervalla Cinema as a part of the retrospective “Transforming the Intangible into the Real”. I had the pleasure of talking to the artist about his impressive career, inspirations as well as his love and admiration for small independent festivals. 

 

 

Students’ Way through Anibar: an Interview with the Jurors

— Era Qena

Lum Radoniqi and Qëndrim Spahija are student jurors in the 10th edition of Anibar who share a passion for filmmaking, be it animation or live-action. They’re ready to talk about their cinematic journeys and opinions on Anibar as a cultural “phenomenon”. Sitting down and talking to them was an exciting and pleasant experience. Lum who was born and raised in Peja had more insight on how the festival affects the cultural sphere. We also spoke about Anibar’s potential to break barriers and change mindsets among this rigid society. On the other hand, Qëndrim was much more interested in speaking about being a student juror, explaining modestly and eloquently how he paved his career path.

Special design by Ana Nedeljkovic, Daniel Suljic and Kristiana Petraj

Editorial  Team: Gojko Dimić, Kleidi Eski, Enxhi Noni, Kristiana Petraj, Era Qena, Aleksandra Sokolović and Olga Bobrowska

Thank you Vullnet Gusia, Arba Hatashi, Gjylymser Nallbani, Selma Leković and Anibar Team!

 

This article is an output of the Film Criticism and Journalism workshop which is being organized within the project “Development of animation culture between Western Balkans and Visegrad Group” implemented by Anibar and Civil Association for the Support of the Animated Film, Primanima Ltd.,Institute of Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Marie Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, The Academy of Performing Arts in Prague – Film and TV School – Department of Animated Film.