Navigating the International Animation Landscape

Insights and Hopes for the Future

At a time when the animation industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, a recent panel titled “Navigating the International Animation Landscape” offered vital insights into the challenges and opportunities for filmmakers from Kosovo and the Balkans eager to take their animated projects beyond local borders.

This program, part of the Ask the Pro initiative, provided emerging and seasoned creators with a deep dive into co-production models, strategies for pitching to international funding bodies, and practical advice on forging sustainable paths within the European and global animation scenes.

Moderated by Aneta Ozorek, Artistic Director of the bold and innovative Kaboom Animation Festival in the Netherlands, the discussion gathered an eclectic panel of industry experts: Corinne Destombes, Head of Development at France’s Folimage; Britt Raes, a Belgian director and illustrator; Olivier Catherin, an ethnologist and longtime animation advocate in France; Aaron Wood, co-founder of London’s Slurpy Studios; and Lucia Dubravay Trautenberger, a cultural manager with a diverse background as a journalist and translator.

Ozorek kicked things off with a question from the audience “What does the future hold for animation?”

 

“Finance in general across Europe I don’t see any big problem for animation,” said Olivier Catherin. “Maybe some difficulties in funding, but no more.”

Corinne Destombes added perspective from the studio side “A year ago, I would have said that it is harder for big companies to move than small ones. Now, there’s more fluidity, but navigating funding remains a hurdle.”

Lucia Dubravay Trautenberger brought in a candid view from Slovakia’s experience “We are facing a lot of challenges. In Slovakia, we have problems with funding. But we are training to sell films, we start from the beginning. There are so many educational institutions, and while it is very hard, we have to think strategically to grow our networks.”

Belgian filmmaker Britt Raes reflected on the tension between creativity and economics “The biggest effect is in the commercial industry. We know what it’s like to create things that don’t get us much money. Things are changing, and we hope more funding is coming to everyone. But the reality is that while the funds don’t rise, the cost of living does.”

Aaron Wood, turning the discussion back to the audience’s core concern, encouraged everyone to think constructively “Let’s talk about the future and what we can do to keep pushing boundaries and connecting beyond our local scenes.”

When it came to young producers from Kosovo and the region, the panelists didn’t shy away from highlighting the specific hurdles. “Young producers have challenges,” Lucia said. “One of the biggest problems is that many people in the film industry don’t fully understand the entire ecosystem, how funding works, how to navigate festivals, how to pitch effectively.”

 

The panel closed with questions and open discussions between the panelists and young Kosovar filmmakers in the audience, students from the Anibar Animation Academy, local animation studio owners, and aspiring artists from this quiet corner of Kosovo who dream of taking their stories abroad. Many shared their personal journeys and asked for honest advice on how to position their films and studios on the international stage. 

Through candid reflections and an open sharing of tips, the panel made one thing clear breaking into the international animation landscape is possible for creators from Kosovo and the Balkans, if they stay connected, informed, and prepared to grow beyond borders.

Author: Gentiana Ahmeti

Photo: Anibar/ David Çavollari