Between May 3rd and 8th 2011 Stuttgart will once again become the centre of international animation films. For the 18th time, the Festival of Animated Film invites directors, production companies, distributors and international sales companies to present their animated films. The Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) was founded in 1982 and is one of the largest and most important festivals for animated film worldwide. Prize money of 61,000 Euros is awarded in seven competition categories.
A pre-selection jury made up of renowned experts from the animated film industry has chosen a range of top-class films from all the entries. These include, for example, Oscar-winner “The Lost Thing” by Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann and “Princess’ Painting” the newest film from Ludwigsburg’s Studio Soi nominated for the Oscar in 2011. Furthermore, the Festival’s supporting programme also glitters with Hollywood glamour. Ron Diamond, well-known producer and long-time member of the Academy, will be presenting his Oscar Show in the presence of several Oscar winners. The show will not only include films that have been nominated for or have won this famous award, but also animated film treasures which did not make it on to the shortlist despite being of excellent quality. .
In addition to the competitions with the newest films from all over the world, the supporting programme also includes exciting highlights such as school and studio presentations, showcases presenting famous animated artists, the ever popular Best-of-Animation-series and screenplay workshops with top-class personalities. With its enthusiastic audiences, unique location and numerous guests from all over the world, the Festival of Animated Film is now a permanent fixture on the international animation calendar and is an outstanding cultural event in Germany.
The upcoming Festival will be focussing on Switzerland. In recent years a flourishing animated film scene reflected in the Festival Fantoche in Baden, the Lucerne School of Art and Design and several studios, has developed and enjoys great international renown. In addition to the studio and school presentations, Swiss animation filmmakers and artists will be presenting their work – these include the well-known graphic designer Francois Chalet and the successful, young short film filmmaker Isabel Favez.
This year’s Festival places a particular focus on Egypt, too, which thanks to its current political situation is the topic of conversation at present. Egypt, in addition to South Africa, is the only African country with an animated film industry worth mentioning. Animated film enjoys a long tradition here and dates back to the late thirties of the last century. Thus the "Mish Mish Efendi" films produced by the Jewish Frenkel brothers by order of the Egyptian government were the first truly "African" animated films. The Festival of Animated film is dedicating a whole programme to these pioneers. Another item in the programme is a Retrospective, which provides an insight into the diverse history of Egyptian animated film from its beginnings to the present day. The ASIFA Egypt has also called upon African filmmakers to submit films which deal with the current political situation in northern Africa and the Arab region which will then be screened at the Festival. Mohamed Ghazala, managing director of ASIFA Egypt: "About animation on Revolution, actually ASIFA Egypt is working now on this topic among its members in Egypt and Tunisia and other Arab and African members. Hopefully it will be ready soon with an Arabian version of 'The Green Wave'.
Numerous events such as the German Animated Screenplay Award or the Animated Com Award (advertising films) make the Festival an important meeting place for those involved in the animated film industry. Animation studios such as Illumination Entertainment, Rija Film and Studio AKA have already announced their participation. This year selected national and international film and art schools will again be presenting their institutions and the excellent work of their students at the ITFS. These will include Harvard (Boston), Kask (Gent) and the New Bulgarian University. The FMX 2011 (May 03 to May 06, 2011), a further meeting point for the industry, will again be taking place at the same time as the Festival. The Animation Production Day (APD) will focus on the financing of animated films and series. The Festival is accompanied by a further event, the Conference on German Television and Productions for Children, Young People and Animation which takes place May 02, 2011.
Bill Plympton (Idiots&Angels, The Cow who wanted to be a Hamburger), Andreas Hykade (Love&Theft, Tom and the slice of bread with strawberry jam and honey), Andrea Martignoni (sound design on Muto) and Isaac Kerlow (head of the Siggraph Festival) as well as other German and European animation experts will be passing on their experience in various workshops.Anthony Shafer presents his newest film "Mars needs Moms".
Within the In Persona series internationally renowned and artistically outstanding animation filmmakers from all over the world personally provide an insight into their work and working methods. Participants include the experimental filmmaker Bärbel Neubauer and the multiple award-winning filmmaker Ruth Lingford. All of the artists will be present!
Aditional information and the programme are available at www.itfs.de.
