Anibar Concludes Its 17th Edition by Celebrating Outstanding Animation from Around the World
The 17th edition of the Anibar International Animation Festival has come to a close after a week filled with remarkable films, inspiring conversations, music, workshops, exhibitions, and unforgettable moments shared among filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world.
Through its diverse competition and non-competition programmes, this year’s festival invited audiences to experience stories that reflected some of the most pressing social, political, and human realities of our time, while also offering glimpses into cultures, traditions, and perspectives from across the globe. As every edition comes to an end, Anibar celebrated the films that stood out through its official awards, while recognizing that every selected work contributed to making this year’s programme a rich and meaningful cinematic experience.
This year, with 217 films, Anibar featured 11 programme categories, including six competitive sections, five non-competitive programmes, and three special programmes, presenting a vibrant selection of contemporary animated cinema.
International Competition
Among 18 films competing in the International Competition, the international jury composed of Heta Jäälinoja, Maarten van Gageldonk, Edmunds Jansons, Sara Gunnarsdóttir, and Joni Männistö awarded the Best International Film prize to To the Woods by Agnes Patron.
The jury praised the film for immersing audiences in a delicate sibling relationship through a mystical atmosphere, where its outstanding musical score and sound design play a vital role in shaping the emotional experience. With its open-ended narrative, To the Woods invites viewers to return to its mysterious nocturnal forest long after the credits roll.
An International Special Mention was awarded to Klonter by Levi Stoops, a film that takes audiences on an intimate journey from the psychological to the physiological, eventually expanding into the cosmological. The jury highlighted its ability to create an experience that is both humorous and deeply physical, leaving a lasting impression.
Student Competition
From 29 student films, the jury consisting of Alexandre Siqueira, Clémence Pun, and Michael Frei selected My Good Boy by Sara Priorelli as the winner.
The jury described the film as a true celebration of animation itself—vibrant yet confident, playful yet deeply satisfying, sexy yet delightfully grotesque in a way only animation can achieve.
Balkan Competition
The Balkan Competition Award was presented to Paradaïz by Matea Radi, selected by the jury of Edmunds Jansons, Heta Jäälinoja, Joni Männistö, Maarten van Gageldonk, and Sara Gunnarsdóttir.
Best Animated Music Video
Among 25 animated music videos, the jury composed of Mats Grorud, Sabine Costa-Eysseric, and Krste Gospodinovski awarded Best Animated Music Video to Jay & Bee by David Kellner.
The jury praised the film’s refreshing visuals, humorous animation, expressive characters, fluid movement, and engaging storytelling, describing it as “a truly beautiful animated film” that carries viewers through relatable situations with energy and charm.
The jury also awarded two Special Mentions:
- 1st Special Mention: No Disco by Angèle Chiodo, recognized for its playful design, bold animation, vibrant colours, and imaginative visual universe.
- 2nd Special Mention: Larzan Karné by Bastien Dupriez, celebrated as a tribute to an island and its culture, where hand-drawn celluloid animation and music come together with remarkable rhythmic precision.
Best Human Rights Animation
Competing in a selection of 12 films, At Night by Pooya Afzali received the Best Human Rights Animation Award.
The jury praised the film for its masterful storytelling and poetic perspective on war, highlighting how it reveals not only destruction but also humanity’s enduring capacity for imagination, beauty, and renewal. Inspired by a poem about love for Paris, the film transforms its message into a universal reflection on hope and resilience.
A Special Mention was awarded to That Night by Hoda Sobhani, recognized for its powerful cinematic language, sensitive animated documentary approach, and courageous portrayal of women’s resistance and lived experiences.
Young Audience Competition
From 24 films in competition, the Young Audience Jury—Yll Avdiu, Sierra Deshishku, Ana Morina, Ronin Bekolli, and Tiziana Lohja—selected The Great Dreamscape by Rémi Durin as the winner.
The jury described the film as one that remained with them long after the screening, transforming fear into a landscape of imagination and reminding audiences of all ages that creativity can provide comfort while encouraging courage, curiosity, and growth.
Pitch It
An important part of this year’s edition was once again Pitch It, Anibar’s project development competition for emerging animation filmmakers.
Among six presented projects, the winners were:
- First Prize: Crow Funeral — Durim Klaiqi
- Second Prize: Through the Cracks — Jeta Sokoli
- Third Prize: Gjith Ktu — Hana Kasemi
Audience Award
The Audience Award, voted by visitors of the 17th edition of the festival, was presented to Wish You Were Ear by Mirjana Balogh.
As another successful edition comes to an end, Anibar once again reaffirmed its role as a meeting point for animation, creativity, dialogue, and community. Bringing together filmmakers, artists, professionals, and audiences from around the world, the festival continues to celebrate animation as a powerful medium for storytelling, critical reflection, and cultural exchange.
Thank you for joining us on our 17th year!
