After four exciting days, the 18th edition of the International animation festival ANIMANIMA 2024 is finished, and here is the list of awarded authors.
Main competition
The Jury of the 18th International animation festival ANIMANIMA 2024 in Čačak, Waltraud Grausgruber (Austria), Christian Gasser (Switzerland) and Vojin Vasović (Serbia) has made the following decisions:
Grand Prix
On Hold
Delia Hess / Switzerland
Explanation: Starting from an everyday situation - a young woman is stuck in a telephone hotline queue - in On Hold Delia Hess sketches a picture of an urban society that seems to be hyperactive and always on the move and yet is trapped in routines and loops. With great elegance and in a very fluid animation, Delia Hess links the activities of her protagonists and lets them slip imperceptibly into the surreal. On Hold is a seemingly light and entertaining film, but thanks to its subtle criticism of our way of life, it resonates for a long time.
Special Mention by jury member – Waltraud Grausgruber
The Bitch
Carla Melo Gampert / Colombia
Explanation: Breathtakingly beautiful images immerse us in a mother-daughter relationship, an exploration of sexuality, powerfully accompanied by an extraordinary soundtrack. All of this, tied together by a faithful dog, moved us profoundly and left us in awe.
Special Mention by jury member – Christian Gasser
Zarko, You Will Spoil the Child
Vejko Popović, Milivoj Popović / Hrvatska
Explanation: Žarko, you will spoil the child is a story about the entanglements of a Split family, carefree childhood in the hands of grandfather and love that will survive all adversities. With its playful animation and colors, its naive, childish and sincere humor, we can almost feel the smells of this home and the warmth of "granpa's hug".
Special Mention by jury member – Vojin Vasović
Gigi
Cynthia Calvi / France
Explanation: Gigi is a seductive, exciting docu-animated biography that succeeds in elevating the original interview with the main character to the level of poetry. This superbly directed animation takes us through the ups and downs of being a transgender person, and gets under our skin with a universal story about finding love within and around us.
AnimanimaKIDS competition
The Jury of the Films for Children Competition of the 18th International animation festival ANIMANIMA 2024 in Cacak, Julia Ocker (Germany), Jelena Oroz (Croatia) and Marija Vulić (Serbia) has made following decisions:
AnimanimaKIDS Award – The best film of the Programme
Baking with Boris
Maša Avramović / France
Explanation: This film captivated us with its simple yet emotional story, carrying a powerful message of community and mutual support. The warmth of the characters and carefully crafted visuals in 2D animation create a world that appeals to audiences of all ages. The striking design, blending traditional and contemporary elements, combined with dynamic and skillful animation, makes this film a true delight. In the end, we can almost smell the freshly baked pastries.
Special Mention
Hello Summer
Martin Smatana, Veronika Zacharová / Slovakia
Explanation: A film bursting with creativity from the first to the last frame, serves as an inspiration not only for animators and illustrators but for audiences of all ages. Combination of collage and 2D animation brings freshness to every scene. The film takes us through a series of fun and unexpected situations, delivering a visually rich and imaginative experience.
Other awards & mentions
Art Director’s Choice – Honorary Mention
Bye Bear
Ian Bitzer / Germany
Explanation: At first glance, the film looks like an animated version of Jim Jarmusch's hanging around in a motel by the highway. But the hanging party of robots masquerading as animals will soon turn into a mystical ritual. One humanoid robot will continue its existence as a member of another species. Robotics and taxidermy together, leaving traces of the fatal human presence. Striking CG imagery immersed in an equally disturbing soundscape.
Audience Award
Alma's Condition
Sara Naves / Portugal
