Gender Equality in Animation | T. Smrekar, M. Gehrig, L. Grosjean, M. Milić | CEEA Experience
Synopsis:
Recognising, reflecting on, and challenging discriminatory structures that perpetuate inequality in cultural and creative sectors. The panel sheds light on inequalities in animation cinema from education to distribution.
Tina Smrekar (Finta Film)
Co-founder and producer at Finta Film (Slovenia), focusing on short artistic animated films. Produced Špela Čadež's Boles, Nighthawk (70+ awards) and Steakhouse (Locarno, Annecy Jury Award). Supervisory board member of Slovenian audiovisual collecting society AIPA.
Maja Gehrig
Animation filmmaker and teacher based in Zurich. Her short films use a wide range of techniques. Won Best Swiss Animation 2020.
Luce Grosjean (Miyu Distribution)
Founded Sève Films (2014), a distribution company promoting student films and young talent directors. Co-created Miyu Distribution (2017), specialized in festival distribution and international sales for animation. Four of her distributed films were Oscar-nominated. Her company received best short film distribution company award by UniFrance (2020).
Matea Milić (Animafest Zagreb)
Festival producer of Animafest Zagreb since 2015. Coordinates AFN Animation Festival Network.
More information and lectures at:
https://www.ceeanimation.eu
https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/
https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/
CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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Maja Gehrig is an animation filmmaker and teacher based in Zurich. Her short films use a wide range of techniques and have gained international recognition. "Average Happiness" won Best Swiss Animation 2020. Maja Gehrig Animation filmmaker and teacher based in Zurich. Studied at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (animation degree 2003-2005). Short animation films use wide range of techniques. "Average Happiness" won several prizes including Best Swiss Animation (2020). Teaches at Lucerne University BA Animation course. Co-president of ASIFA Switzerland (GSFA). More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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How can animation reach broader, more diverse audiences across Central and Eastern Europe – and beyond? In this CEE Animation Experience webinar, discover how the Animation Festival Network (AFN) is bridging the gap in short film distribution through curated programs for children and adults. With a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and educational value, AFN presents a collaborative model that includes female-directed short film showcases and thematic programs for young audiences. Petra Gajžler Film pedagogue, curator and distribution manager working at the intersection of animated film and film education. Coordinates school screenings and develops educational materials for animated films. Ligia Soare (Animest) Cultural manager working in the world of film festivals for over two decades. Part of founding team of Animest International Animation Film Festival (Bucharest, Romania). Involved in accessibility and inclusion initiatives. Matea Milić (Animafest Zagreb) Worked for production company Hulahop since 2012 in production and distribution of documentaries and feature projects. Since 2015 serves as festival producer of World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb, responsible for fundraising, team management and collaboration with partners. Coordinates AFN – Animation Festival Network of animation festivals from the CEE region. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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Špela Čadež presents her work as director, animator, and producer. Through examples of films, photos, storyboards she gives insight into stop motion work. Špela Čadež (Finta Studio) Animation director and co-founder of Finta Studio (Ljubljana, Slovenia). Films received 100+ awards worldwide, screened at Sundance, Locarno, Clermont Ferrand, Annecy. Passionate advocate for analogue animation, specializing in puppet and cut-out techniques. Invited to become member of American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (2018). More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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In this webinar, award-winning stop-motion director Martin Smatana (The Kite, Berlinale 2019) will take you on a deep dive into the creative applications of artificial intelligence in animation. He'll showcase tools such as Dall-E and Runway, offering practical insights into how these technologies can aid in generating ideas, optimizing workflows, and enhancing the creative process while maintaining artistic integrity. Martin Smatana Graduate of Animation at FAMU Prague (1991, Slovakia). His debut movie "Rosso Papavero" (2015) premiered at Berlinale 2015 and won 15 international awards. Known for textile and paper animation techniques. His short "The Kite" premiered at Berlinale 2019. Pioneering AI integration in animation workflows. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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Dutch director Mascha Halberstad will take us behind the scenes of her stop-motion work for children. She will focus primarily on her feature-length animated films – Oink (2022) and Fox and Hare Save the Forest (2024), which premiered at this year's Berlinale in the Berlinale Generation competition section. Mascha Halberstad Dutch animation director. Studied at ArtEZ Art Academy in Arnhem. Created the 3-part series "Picknick with Cake" (awarded Cinekid Kinderkast 2013). Her film "Munya in Me" won Grand Jury Prize at BANFF. Directed "Fox & Hare" series (Cinekid Audience Award). Feature debut "Oink" (2022) premiered at Berlinale Generation, won three Golden Calves at Dutch Film Festival 2024. "Fox and Hare Save the Forest" premiered at Berlinale 2024. Lea Pagáčová (National Film Center of the Slovak Film Institute) Graduated from Audiovisual Studies at the Faculty of Film and TV, the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. Writes and edits texts about films. Participates in distribution and film education projects. Coordinator for CEE Animation Forum. Works at the National Film Center of the Slovak Film Institute, focusing on presentation of Slovak cinema locally and globally. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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The Poliektova sisters speak about transforming the initial idea of a story into a film, about the process of initial artwork, visuals and storyboarding. Their film "My Grandfather Was a Cherry Tree" was Oscar nominated. Olga Poliektova Twin sister with Tatiana. Born in St-Petersburg, Russia. Graduated from art school and animation/computer graphics from University of Cinema and Television. Work as film director duo and animators. Over the years made several short animation films, participating in 300 festivals worldwide, earning over 60 awards. "My Grandfather Was a Cherry Tree" was Oscar nominated (Best Short Animation Film long list). Tatiana Poliektova (see Olga above — identical background, work as twin duo) More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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What made a German distributor pick an Eastern European IP? What does it take to successfully pitch to German decision makers and to what extent can it serve as entry point to the wider European market? Susanne Freese (OneGate Media) Senior Manager Kids & Family at OneGate Media (formerly Studio Hamburg Enterprises) since 1998. Oversees licensing/co-financing of feature films, series and animation. Works closely with NDR, ARD stations and Kika. Also responsible for programme acquisition for national and international TV/VOD/DVD distribution. Anna Vášová (13ka) Started as a script executive for Czech TV. Lectured at the Academy of Performing Arts. Headed the script department at Czech TV. Founded 13ka production company focusing on auteur-driven films. Katarina Kerekesova (Fool Moon) Completed studies at Animation Film Department of VŠMU Bratislava. Founded Fool Moon (2009). Director and producer of Slovak TV series "Mimi and Lisa" and "The Websters". Executive Director of Slovak Association of Animated Film Producers. Lecturer at Animation Film Department in Bratislava. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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Masterclass will focus on the production of the film THE SIREN and a description of using the Motion Capture Technology. The focus of this masterclass will be on the feature-length animated film THE SIREN, on which a large part of the animation of the 3D characters was realised using Motion Capture technology through the Slovak company Artichoke and the animation studio Blue Faces. This is the first ever project of this size to be realised using this technology in Slovakia. Sepideh Farsi Born in Tehran, later moved to Paris where she studied mathematics but soon began filmmaking. After several short films, directed documentary "Homi D. Sethna, Filmmaker" which won several awards. Documentaries "Harat" and "Tehran Without Permission" premiered in Locarno. Feature films "Dreams of Dust" and "The Gaze" screened at Rotterdam. "The House Under the Water" won NETPAC Award. Latest film "The Siren" had world premiere at Berlinale. Tomas Danay (Blue Faces) Graduated in animation at the Film and Television Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts (VŠMU). Main animator at Blue Faces studio. Worked on many foreign films (Green Hornet, Xibalba, Asura) and games (NBA 2k16, Shadows: Awakening), as well as commercials and music videos (Lil Dicky – Pillow Talking). Teaches computer animation at VŠMU, programme director of Festival BAB (Bratislava Animation Biennial). Juraj Krasnohorsky (Artichoke) Producer based in Bratislava. With Henrieta Tsvangová founded Artichoke (2010), producing fiction and animated films. Co-produced short "Superbia" (2016) which premiered at Semaine de la Critique in Cannes. Co-producing "White Plastic Sky" and stop-motion feature "Of Unwanted Things and People". EAVE graduate, member of Slovak Association of Animated Film Producers, board member of VAF, initiator/co-organizer of CEE Animation Workshop. Head of studies for CEE Animation Workshop. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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Join our panel discussion on animation for young audiences. Talking about young audience cinema, it is often assumed that animation might be the only type of films that easily transcend the domestic market – "animation travels easily and sells easily". But is that really so? When producing animation for teenagers, what could it look like? Does the family audience really exist? All panelists have a background in young audience content, whether as filmmaker, producer or festival programmer. Together with the audience, they will search for an answer to one of the biggest clichés in the world of cinema: "Animation is only for children". Réka Temple (Cinemon Entertainment) Over 25 years of experience in the film and television industry and has contributed to over 300 half-hour episodes, 8 feature films and numerous specials, shorts and commercials, which have altogether earned over 100 awards and nominations worldwide. Prior to joining Cinemon Entertainment worked at Loonland Media AG (Germany). Secretary General of the Hungarian Producer's Association (2005-2009), headed the Animation Department at the Institute of Theatre and Film (2010-2014). Currently President of the Hungarian Animation Producers' Association and represents the country as Ambassador at the European Animation Awards. Maciej Jakubczyk (New Horizons Association) Board Member of New Horizons Association (Poland) in film festival, distribution, film education and production. Distributes about 12 family titles per year. Head of Kids Kino International Film Festival and Kids Kino Industry. Board member of European Children Film Association. Expert on films and series for young audiences for Polish Film Institute. Zuzana Oharek Bahulova (Zlín Film Festival) Czech animator and designer, PhD in animation. Studied at CalArts (USA). Programmer for short animations at Zlín Film Festival. Her projects won Red Dot (2x), German Innovation Awards, European Product Design Award. Clothes designed by her were worn by German and Jamaican Olympic teams. Linda Hambäck (LEE Film) Swedish film director, founder of LEE Film. In film/TV since 1998, mainly animated films for children. Feature "Gordon & Paddy" premiered at Berlinale 2018. Second feature "The Ape Star". Produced animated parts of Oscar-winning "Searching for Sugar Man". Attended EAVE program 2002. Co-wrote "Familjepack". Gert Hermans (JEF / ECFA) Works for JEF, the Belgian contact point for young audience cinema. Content & communication manager for ECFA (European Children's Film Association). Chief editor of the ECFA Journal. Involved in Europe's biggest children's film festivals. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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The feature-length animated film "Even Mice Belong to Heaven" (dir. Jan Bubeníček, Denisa Grimmová), created with puppet technology, had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Our webinar will take a look behind the scenes of the film's production, following the journey from the artistic design of an object or space to its actual realization, including the production of the puppet part of the film, its artistic and technological concept, the preparatory work in the studios, and the filming, followed by a presentation focused on the combination of puppet film with elements of computer graphics. Jan Bubeníček Graduate of Department of Animation at FAMU. Director of animation studio Eallin. Worked at UPP as head of 3D department and VFX supervisor. Forms directing duo with Denisa Grimmová. Curator of exhibition Worlds of Czech Animation. Filmography includes shorts "Na draka", "Hurrrááá na pinceznu!!!", "Ludvík's Patrol", "Three Foos", "Pirate", "Death Stories" and feature "Mice Belong to Heaven" (2021). Jan Kurka (Magiclab) Graphic designer with nearly fifteen years of experience in film post-production. Currently working as DMP (matte painting) supervisor at Magiclab post-production studio. Worked on Czech and foreign films such as The Angry Man, Aladdin, Masaryk, Without a Trace, The Clockmaker's Apprentice, The Last Race and Mice Belong to Heaven. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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Starting out as a director after graduation, developing your own projects is not a smooth process anymore. Zsuzsanna shares her experience about the development attempts of Dino Doom on Desert Planet, discussing the various development stages, pitch forums, residencies abroad, and balancing applied work with own creative projects. Zsuzsanna Kreif Freelance animation director and illustrator based in Budapest. MOME graduate. First film "Limbo-Limbo Travel" (co-directed with Bori Zétényi) was selected to Sundance, Annecy, Clermont-Ferrand and was Oscar-eligible in 2016. Directed 13-episode satirical TV series "Candide" (2015-2018). Currently developing new personal projects and teaching at MOME. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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Join us for a panel discussion on the topic of TV Specials for children. We will explore an overview of the content, formats and financing and have a comparative discussion on the situation in France and Slovenia. With our guest experts we will discuss the role and expectations of broadcasters, the opportunities and struggles for producers and creatives and try to draw some conclusions about the emerging popularity of the TV Specials format. Martina Peštaj (RTV Slovenija) Head of Children's and Youth Programme at RTV Slovenija. Selector for foreign animation and live-action series for children and youth. Media Psychologist, gives lectures, publishes articles, participates in research projects. Works as selector with Animateka Ljubljana and Animafest Zagreb. Jure Vizjak (Invida Studio) Co-founder of studio Invida (Slovenia, 2004). Vast experience in production of all types of media content: short films, TV series, feature film, motion graphics, TV ads. Invida is one of the leading animation production studios in Slovenia. Clémence Bragard (AFCA / ASIFA-France) Artistic director of the French Animation Film Festival on behalf of AFCA (Association Française du Cinéma d'Animation). Moderator and programmer for Annecy Festival. Works in programming at AFCA. More information and lectures at: https://www.ceeanimation.eu https://www.ceeanimation.eu/experience/cee-animation-experience/ https://www.facebook.com/ceeanimation/ CEE Animation Experience is a series of webinars organized in cooperation with selected partners in the CEE region. This activity targets animation industry professionals, who will gain new insights as shared by top regional and world experts and get a rewarding experience of film production directly.
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