Peja under the magic of Animation: Everything that happened during the seven days of Anibar 2024?
The festival, which brought together artists, activists, and participants from around the world, contributed to creating a fairer and more inclusive society.
The 15th edition of the International Animation Festival, Anibar 2024, held in Peja from July 15th to 21st, stood out for its wealth of activities and events promoting art, culture, and gender equality. The festival, which brought together artists, activists, and participants from around the world, contributed to creating a fairer and more inclusive society.
The first day of the festival, July 15th, kicked off with a grand ceremony at Cinema Lake. This official opening was reinforced by an after-party where DJ SugarFree, SHEGA, and Oda Haliti created an energetic atmosphere for all attendees.
On the second day, July 16th, creative workshops began at the Old Bank and BoneVet Peja. These workshops included video mapping techniques with Jules Camille Huvig, comic zine creation with Marko Djeska, paper-cut music video creation with Djellza Bullaku, and puppet making and stop-motion animation with Thomas Volda. Additionally, the Gallery of Arts offered an innovative and interactive virtual reality experience, immersing visitors in the world of animation in a completely new way. Animated film screenings at “Jusuf Gërvalla” Cinema continued throughout the day, while the evening party at Cinema Lake with The Milk Snatchers and ERAH created a lively environment for participants.
The third day, July 17th, included a series of new workshops like StoryWalks2 with Daniel Saul and Izzy Barszcz, and programs for young audiences and human rights. Olivier Catherin held a masterclass on animated film production, while Luce Grosjean presented the program “What are men?”, sparking discussions on gender identity and stereotypes. Open discussions and various film screenings at “Jusuf Gërvalla” Cinema continued, while the evening party with Paulete Lindacleva and Erleta Kadrija ended the day with music and entertainment.
On the fourth day, July 18th, workshops and presentations continued, including a panel discussion on rethinking masculinity and a presentation on co-production between France and the Western Balkans. A special screening of the feature film “Sultana’s Dream” addressed important social and cultural themes. Animated film screenings continued at “Jusuf Gërvalla” Cinema, while the evening party with music from Goro concluded the day with positive energy.
The fifth day, July 19th, brought continued workshops and panel discussions on various social and cultural topics, including a presentation by the group 24 Memes per Second exploring the impact of memes and digital culture on animation. A joint dinner, organized in collaboration with the British Embassy in Kosovo, offered opportunities for networking and useful discussions. Screenings of various animated films and music from TASTE2 and Yll Megi created a festive atmosphere for participants.
On the sixth day, July 20th, workshops and competitions continued, including a competition for animated music videos. Mike Holingsworth gave a presentation on animations from the festival in Hollywood and vice versa. Screenings of various animated films continued at “Jusuf Gërvalla” Cinema, while a special video mapping show by Jules Camille Huvig attracted everyone’s attention. The evening party with music from Singi ended the day with a lively and festive atmosphere.
The final day, July 21st, included competitions for the young audience and the experimental program, showcasing animated films with different and innovative approaches. The international picnic brought participants together for a shared and relaxing experience. The closing ceremony at Cinema Lake marked the end of the festival with a summary of activities and thanks to all participants and organizers, as well as awarding prizes to this year’s winners. Music from Albanian diva Adelina Ismaili and TADI closed the festival with a joyful and festive atmosphere.
This edition of Anibar brought together a vibrant community of artists and activists, reinforcing its message of equality and inclusion through art and culture. The festival was characterized by open discussions, creative workshops, and animated film screenings that addressed various social themes, providing an important platform for dialogue and change
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