Berlin, Germany – The European Film Academy has recently unveiled the contenders for the prestigious category of Best Animated Feature Film at this year’s European Film Awards. Among the eclectic mix of nominations are standout works from directors Gints Zilbalodis, Kristina Dufková, Claude Barras, Isabel Herguera, and the duo Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal.
Gints Zilbalodis’ “Flow” has already captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike, garnering the main jury and audience awards at the prestigious Annecy International Animated Film Festival alongside an accolade for its original music. The film, which featured at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section, explores a post-apocalyptic quest of a cat seeking refuge in a world overcome by a flood.
“Living Large,” directed by Kristina Dufková, provides a poignant social commentary wrapped in the tale of a young boy grappling with body image issues while navigating adolescence. This film snagged the Annecy’s Contrechamp Jury Award, highlighting its innovative storytelling and emotional depth.
Claude Barras’ “Savages,” another Annecy competitor, also showcased at the Locarno Film Festival, introduces viewers to the stirring story of a young girl who finds herself at the crossroads of natural conservation and familial bonds as she rescues an orphaned orangutan in Borneo.
Isabel Herguera’s “Sultana’s Dream,” which won Annecy’s Contrechamp Award, dives into a fantastical narrative inspired by a century-old feminist utopia. The story follows an artist’s enchanting journey through India in search of a society where women lead in peace and creativity.
Rounding out the nominations, “They Shot the Piano Player” by Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal reflects on the life of Brazilian piano prodigy Tenorio Jr. The narrative intertwine s with the pulsating evolution of Bossa Nova music, weaving a tale that captures a transformative period in Latin American culture.
The committee responsible for these nominations consists of members from the European Film Academy and Cartoon, the European Association for Animation Film, underscoring a rigorous selection process aimed at celebrating the finest in European animated storytelling.
Further excitement awaits as nominations for other categories such as Best European Film, Director, Actress, Actor, Screenwriter, and Documentary are set to be announced on November 5. These nominations are keenly anticipated and will highlight the diverse and dynamic talent across Europe’s film landscape.
The award ceremony is scheduled for December 7 in Lucerne, Switzerland, where the winners will be announced. This gala event not only honors outstanding cinematic achievements but also brings together Europe’s vibrant film community.
The animated feature films nominated this year each bring unique cultural insights and creativity, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent within the European animation industry. By bringing these stories to the fore, the European Film Awards shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of narratives that animate both the old continent and the global cinematic stage.