What Took Place in Anibar on Day 3

The most beautiful things happen when you share them with others, especially when people you’ve never met open up to you with their experiences, stories, and little moments that somehow make you feel at home.

That was exactly what today at Anibar felt like, a day filled with meaningful encounters between directors, animators, and film lovers.

Several directors whose films screened last night joined an open discussion to share the creative journey behind their work. From the initial idea and the development of environments and textures to the final production, the audience had the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the animation process through a much more personal lens.

Reshat Canhasi, a participant in the Film Criticism Workshop, reflected on the discussion, saying: “It was fascinating to hear about these creative processes, from the first idea to the way the films were brought to life. One film that particularly caught my attention was Dream About Fish, which builds a metaphor around what it means to be a fish, a reflection on the monotony of everyday life that made the director imagine life as a fish would be much easier.” He added that the film reflected the animator’s emotional reality and that, although it explored a painful subject, its vibrant use of colour made the story feel gentler and more approachable for the audience.

The VR Program also remained open to visitors today at the Peja Arts Gallery and will continue until July 18, welcoming audiences every day from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Today also featured the second Young Audience screening, where children enjoyed a selection of animated films. Yll Avdiu, a member of this year’s Young Audience Jury, shared: “On the second day of the Young Audience program, we were delighted to welcome children from the Qershia kindergarten. From the moment they entered the cinema, their excitement was impossible to miss. They stayed focused on the screen throughout the entire screening—laughing, reacting, and fully immersed in the films. Their genuine curiosity and joy made the atmosphere truly special, and we were incredibly happy to see how much they enjoyed the programme.”

The fun didn’t end when the films did. Afterwards, the children took part in the Mixed Media Workshop led by Albana Hajdini and Leonita Thaqi, where they created decorative masks filled with colour, imagination, and creativity. Each child gave their artwork a unique personal touch, carefully decorating it with enthusiasm and pride. It was a joy to witness their dedication and excitement as they proudly showcased their creations. It was a day full of smiles, creativity, learning, and memories that will stay with them for a long time.

Continuing the day’s lively programme, Etienne Kompis and Aline Schoch presented The Art of Sound Design in Animation. Through examples from different films, they explored how excessive use of music can influence the audience’s experience and highlighted the expressive power of silence and other sound elements in animation.

The AniDox 2 programme once again presented five documentary-inspired animated films tackling powerful and timely social issues. It was followed by the Human Rights Film Competition, featuring twelve films that explored deeply human and universal themes. Through stories of migration, poverty, the loss of loved ones, and the suppression of religious practices, the programme invited audiences to reflect on the challenges people face across the world.

Another highlight of the day was the panel discussion “Culture Under Construction: Building a Fairer Cultural Ecosystem,” moderated by Ares Shporta. Bringing together Nora Arapi Krasniqi, Deputy Minister of Culture, Edona Krasniqi, Grant Director at KCSF, and Rozafa Maliqi, Director of Kino Armata, the conversation focused on Kosovo’s independent cultural scene and the mechanisms that shape its development and sustainability. The discussion explored both the challenges and opportunities for building a fairer and more inclusive cultural ecosystem.

Across our three beloved cinemas, audiences once again experienced films that reflected the realities of the world we live in today. At Cinema Old Bazaar, Beirut Animation Nights presented ten Lebanese animated films telling stories of home, dreams, resilience, and the fragile realities that can be reduced to ruins overnight. At Lake Cinema, the Student Competition 2 programme welcomed many of the participating animators, who introduced their films and shared their creative experiences with the audience. Meanwhile, the evening concluded at Cube Cinema with a diverse selection of animated films, including three that audiences also had the chance to watch during the opening ceremony of Anibar 17.

These events, along with many more exciting activities, continue in Peja until July 18. Join us and experience firsthand the atmosphere, creativity, and sense of community that make Anibar such a unique festival.