European Film Academy unveils animation award contenders

The European Film Academy has delightfully unveiled the nominees in the animated feature film category of the European Film Awards. This year’s list highlights a selection of remarkable works from across Europe, featuring diverse storytelling and artistic brilliance.

Top contenders in the animated feature film category

In the running for the prestigious award are:

“Flow” by Gints Zilbalodis
“Living Large” by Kristina Dufková
“Savages” by Claude Barras
“Sultana’s Dream” by Isabel Herguera
“They Shot the Piano Player” by Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal

These films represent an extraordinary range of narratives and animation styles, each bringing its unique flair to the competition.

“Flow” (Latvia, France, Belgium)

Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, “Flow” has already made waves in the animation community. Garnering the main jury and audience awards at Annecy, along with the award for original music, this film has also screened at the prestigious Cannes’ Un Certain Regard. “Flow” transports viewers to an apocalyptic world where a cat’s journey on a boat amid a devastating flood emphasizes unity and survival among varying species.

“Living Large” (Czech Republic, France, Slovakia)

Kristina Dufková‘s “Living Large” tells the poignant story of twelve-year-old Ben, who battles bullying and personal insecurities stemming from his weight. Despite his emerging talent as a chef, Ben goes on a transformative journey to find self-worth beyond physical appearance. The film’s compelling storyline and insightful character development earned it the Contrechamp Jury Award at Annecy.

“Savages” (Switzerland, France, Belgium)

Directed by Claude Barras, known for his Oscar-nominated film “My Life as a Courgette,” Savages offers a gripping narrative set in Borneo. The film follows Kéria, who rescues a baby orangutang, and her cousin Selaï as they confront environmental destruction and conflict between indigenous communities and logging companies. This timely and heartfelt animation featured in competition at Annecy and was also showcased at Locarno.

“Sultana’s Dream” (Spain, Germany, India)

Isabel Herguera’s “Sultana’s Dream” explores the concept of an empowered female utopia. Inspired by Rokeya Hossain’s 1905 science fiction story about Ladyland, the film embarks on a journey through India, capturing the protagonist Inés’s quest to find a place where women live freely and harmoniously. The film’s unique premise secured it the Contrechamp Award at Annecy.

“They Shot the Piano Player” (Spain, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Peru)

Under the direction of Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal, “They Shot the Piano Player” dives into the mysterious disappearance of young Brazilian piano virtuoso Tenorio Jr. through the eyes of a New York music journalist. This vibrant animation not only delves into the origins of the Bossa Nova movement but also evokes a sense of artistic liberty prevalent in Latin America during the 60s and 70s before the era of totalitarian regimes.

Insights from the selection committee

The selection committee, comprising representatives from the European Film Academy and Cartoon (the European Association for Animation Film), meticulously evaluated each entry’s artistic merit and narrative strength. Their expertise ensures that nominated films are of the highest caliber, indicative of the innovation and creativity driving contemporary European animation.

Upcoming announcements and ceremony details

As we edge closer to awards season, the anticipation builds for the announcement of additional categories, including the best European film, director, actress, actor, screenwriter, and documentary, set to be revealed on November 5. The grand awards ceremony will take place on December 7 in the picturesque city of Lucerne, Switzerland—a fitting location to celebrate Europe’s finest cinematic achievements.

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