Award goes to: Winter in March, Natalia Mirzoyan (Rebel Frame, Artstep, Black Boat Pictures, White Boat Pictures, EKA Animation), Estonia, Armenia, France, Belgium, 2025, 16'22''
Justification: We are awarding the Grand Prix to a profoundly sincere and affecting film about displacement, and the decision to choose exile over living under an authoritarian regime. The materials are tightly connected to the story, in which the two protagonists are quietly and separately unraveling over the course of a challenging journey. Their distress is depicted with great subtlety. The staging is inventive and effective, and the colours and the sonic landscape both complement the quiet atmosphere of dread. This film is a very personal story, but it resonates with all of us who have felt helpless in the face of a greater oppression and know the burden of making a decision that might have so many unknown repercussions.
VR@ANIMATEKA AWARD
Awarded for films in the VR@Animateka programme. A monetary award in the amount of €1,000.
Award goes to: Lichtung, Aria Wolf (Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg), Germany, 2025, 8'30''
Justification: The winning film of this year's VR programme stands out for its beautifully designed, experiential use of virtual space. From the very first moment, it transports the viewer into a mysterious, sleeping world that gradually opens up as we move through it. The gentle unveiling of the surroundings, supported by sophisticated lighting and atmosphere, invites the viewer to explore and awakens a sense of genuine curiosity. One of the film's most remarkable qualities is precisely this stimulation of curiosity. Instead of relying on heavy political or thematic undertones, it creates a timeless, open space in which imagination can take the lead. This way, the film shows how powerful an experience new media can offer when they allow the viewer to explore freely, intimately, and without constraints. We are delighted to announce the winner of this year's VR programme. For its technical perfection, subtle soundscape, and outstanding ability to invite the viewer into a genuine exploration, the award goes to Aria Wolf for Lichtung!
YOUNG TALENT STUDENT JURY AWARD
Awarded for films in the European Young Talents Competition Programme. A monetary award in the amount of €1,000 is presented jointly by the School of Arts (University of Nova Gorica) and Academy of Fine Arts and Design (University of Ljubljana).
Special mention: Cottage Cheese, Janina Müller, Liina Luomajoki, Lena Metzger, Alice Kunz (Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art) Switzerland, 2025, 5'16''
Justification: After our “Jugement dernier” of the student animations, we collectively became a “Better Man”. For an unconventional theme wrapped in absurd humour, we want to specially mention Cottage Cheese.
Award goes to: Hunting, Lea Favre (Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne) Switzerland, 2025, 10'50''
Justification: An authentic story that kept our smiles wide and our hearts warm, but then tore them away and kept us on the edge of our seats in complete darkness, with nothing but sound. The winning student animation of the 22nd Animateka is Hunting.
THE ELEPHANT CHILDREN JURY AWARD
Awarded for films in the Elephant in Competition programme. A monetary award in the amount of €1,000.
Special mention goes to: The Legend of the Hummingbird, Morgan Devos (Folimage), France, 2025, 9’30”
Justification: We would like to give our special mention to a film that surprised us with its beautiful animation and visual imagery reminiscent of shadow theatre, and taught us that making selfless decisions is not always easy and requires courage.
Award goes to: Eureka!, Kris Borghs (Fabrique Fantastique) Belgium, 2024, 9'54''
Justification: The film that made the biggest impression on us is one that addresses a serious, socially critical topic while still making us laugh our heads off.
THE ELEPHANT AUDIENCE AWARD
Awarded for films in the Elephant in Competition programme. A monetary award in the amount of €1,000.
Award goes to: The Girl Who Wasn’t Afraid of Bears, Lea Vučko (Invida/CUB Animation/Jaka Produkcija/Octopics/RTV Slovenia), Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, 2025, 20’
;DSAF AUDIENCE AWARD
Awarded for films in the Main Competition. A monetary award in the amount of €1,000 is presented by the Slovene Animated Film Association (;DSAF).
Award goes to: Dog Ear, Péter Vácz (Boddah), Hungary, 2025, 20'44''
SPECIAL MENTIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GRAND JURY:
SPECIAL MENTION Pierre-Luc Granjon: Dog Ear, Péter Vácz (Boddah), Hungary, 2025, 20'44''
Justification: While maintaining a great deal of humour, the director of this film has a very accurate and subtle way of expressing the anger and uncertainty of a child who has witnessed a violent battle between his parents. In just a few scenes, we understand all the repercussions of such violence and how it poisons the daily life of this boy, left to his own devices, who finds only his dog to vent his anger and confusion. The way he pulls himself together after a surprising scene of madness is particularly touching, as is the bond that develops between him and the dog. My special mention goes to Dog ear, by Péter Vácz.
SPECIAL MENTION Elizabeth Hobbs: Caries, Aline Höchli (KOLOSS), Switzerland, 2025, 9'41''
Justification: I’ve chosen a film that enchanted all of us. A film about creativity, friendships and knowing when to move on. I particularly loved the joyful drawing style, the funny vocalisations, and the extraordinary setting. The film is Caries by Aline Höchli.
SPECIAL MENTION Michèle Lemieux: Luna Rossa, Priit Pärn, Olga Pärn (Eesti Joonisfilm, Miyu Productions), Estonia, France, 2024, 32'38''
Justification: The film I have chosen captivates with its strangeness and enigmatic symbolism, holding our attention and leaving viewers room for interpretation. The approach is a reinvention of the language of animated bodies combining frozen faces with bodies performing unusual movements revealing characters that are as powerful as they are disturbing. A film that demonstrates the ability of the directors to reinvent themselves. The award goes to Luna Rossa directed by Priit and Olga Pärn.
SPECIAL MENTION Juan Pablo Zaramella: Tears, Paulina Ziolkowska (Letko, Wait A Second!), Germany, Poland, 2025, 9'00''
Justification: For it’s sensitive use of a handcrafted technique, with great timing and cohesion with the sound design, exposing the social pressure to have answers to every aspect of our existence.
SPECIAL MENTION Yantong Zhu: You Are My Light, Hana Stehlíková (Frame Films, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Film and TV School), Czech Republic, 2024, 8'55''
Justification: This film is about those who face unexpected challenges alone in the darkness. Through precise animation, we learn that the same task can be easy for some and difficult for others. Sometimes we must confront not only hardship, but also the loss of our very identity. This piece pays tribute to every brave soul among us. My personal nomination goes to You Are My Light by Hana Stehlíková.
