Making of

by Martina Peštaj, Lucia Dubravay Trautenberger

Animation is often labelled “for children” without asking which children. This session introduces the Young Audience Rating System, a practical tool that connects the developmental characteristics of each age group, from toddlers to late adolescents, with the elements that shape an animated film: story, characters, emotions, visual language and humour. Media psychologist Martina Peštaj explains how attention, emotional understanding, moral reasoning and the sense of humour change with age, and what this means in practice. Aimed at creators, producers, distributors, broadcasters and festival programmers working with young viewers. The Young Audience Rating System was developed within the project Animation HUB. Speakers: Martina Peštaj (media psychologist), Lucia Dubravay Trautenberger (Animation HUB) Martina Peštaj (media psychologist) Martina Peštaj is a Slovenian media psychologist and film currator specialising in children’s and youth media. She works at RTV Slovenija, where she is an editor in the Children’s and Youth Programme and has extensive experience as a creator, scriptwriter, and editor of television content for young audiences. She also selects international animated and live-action series and oversees their adaptation for Slovenian audiences. Lucia Dubravay Trautenberger (Animation HUB) Project Manager of Animation HUB, a CEE Animation initiative dedicated to improving the visibility, accessibility, and circulation of European animated works and connecting audiences, filmmakers, festivals, educators, and industry professionals. In 2024, she co-founded Bear With Me Distribution, a company specialising in festival distribution, sales, and international promotion of animated films. Alongside her work with Animation HUB, she continues to work in international distribution and supports animated projects in reaching festivals, markets, professional networks, and audiences worldwide.

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by Robert Jaszczurowski, Grzegorz Skorupski, Karolina Rudnicka

Join us for a webinar under the CEE Animation Experience, where four leading Polish animation studios will showcase the current animation scene. They will share insights into their recent successes and reveal their upcoming projects, offering a glimpse into the future of Polish animation. If you're interested in co-producing with Poland, this is a must-attend event to explore new opportunities and collaborations. The webinar is co-organized with Polish Animation and SPPA – Polish Animation Producers Association. Robert Jaszczurowski (GS Animation / SPPA) A director, producer, scriptwriter and co-founder of GS Animation. From 2009 acts as a creative producer and delegate producer ("Mami Fatale", "Basia"). A president of a Polish Animation Producers Association (SPPA) and a participant of the most important coproduction markets, festivals and animation related events in Europe (Cartoon Forum, Cartoon Movie, MiPJunior, Cinekid, Annecy). Currently working on "Lucy and the Silver Spies" as a producer and "Kayko and Kokosh" TV series as a director. Grzegorz Skorupski (Animoon) Production company Animoon, involved in projects like Zoyka and the Bird. (Person page: minimal bio) Karolina Rudnicka (Person page exists with limited content) 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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by Lenka Hámošová

Generative AI is no longer just a futuristic tool but a part of contemporary visual culture. However, how should animators use it without losing their authorship, style, and intent? Lenka Hámošová shares a roadmap for maintaining creative agency in an age of automated art – covering workflow thinking with ComfyUI, case studies in real-time collaboration, and the importance of identifying your "Unique Toolkit" to protect the human element. Lenka Hámošová Artist, designer, and educator working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, creativity, and human agency. With over 15 years of experience in visual communication, new media, and education, she founded the first creative AI studio in Prague. Known for her work with ComfyUI and real-time AI-driven performance. 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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by Michal Křeček

The keynote presents the complete process of creating visual effects that include animated CG elements, from pre-production to finalizing the shot. Covers roles of VFX supervisor and producer, working on breakdown, storyboard, previs, postvis, integration of animation into visual effects, project management, approval processes, and current possibilities and limitations of AI in VFX. Michal Křeček (Magic Lab) Experienced VFX supervisor, producer, and founder of the post-production studio Magic Lab, which he established in 2009. With over two decades in the film industry, he has worked on numerous Czech and international productions. 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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by Petra Gajžler, Ligia Soare, Matea Milić

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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by Ligia Soare, Paula Benu

This webinar explores what actually happens to a film when it is prepared for blind and Deaf audiences, how elements such as audio description, sign language interpretation and descriptive subtitles can reshape image, sound, rhythm and design, and why filmmakers should be part of these creative decisions. Designed for filmmakers, distributors and festival programmers, this session reframes accessibility not as compliance, but as authorship, collaboration and audience expansion. Ligia Soare (Animest) Cultural manager working in film festivals for over two decades. Part of founding team of Animest International Animation Film Festival. Paula Benu Romania. Accessibility specialist focused on making films accessible for blind and Deaf audiences through audio description, sign language and subtitling. 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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by Réka Temple, Orsolya Sipos, Gábor Osváth

Discover what drives the recent success of Hungarian animated feature films in this webinar with producers Réka Temple (Four Souls of Coyote), Orsolya Sipos (White Plastic Sky), and Gábor Osváth (Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light). Learn about the creative and production processes behind this new wave of Hungarian talent and gain insights into the future of the country's animation industry. Réka Temple (Cinemon Entertainment) Over 25 years of experience in film and TV. Contributed to 300+ episodes, 8 features. President of Hungarian Animation Producers' Association. Orsolya Sipos (Studio Baestarts) Working in the animation film industry since 2003, at Varga Studios and later at Studio Baestarts. Worked as Head of Production of TV series and commercials. Producer of "White Plastic Sky". Gábor Osváth Born 1985, started studies at University of Theatre and Film Arts of Budapest in 2008. Producer whose first school project introduced him to director Balázs Turai. Producer of "Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light". 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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by Vanessa Chapman, Aimée Norman

How can animation studios strengthen their business foundations and unlock new opportunities for growth? Experts from Growth Partners will guide participants through a practical approach to developing a stronger company strategy: assessing strengths and structure, clarifying market positioning, building a strategic roadmap, and understanding investment readiness. Vanessa Chapman (VJC Media / The Growth Partners) Highly respected media executive heading VJC Media, with extensive global network across all media sectors. Co-founded The Growth Partners in partnership with Liberi Consulting. Offers the 'Get Investment Ready Programme' — a bespoke package for SMEs in TV and film internationally looking to take the next step in business development. Aimée Norman (Liberi Consulting / The Growth Partners) Strategic consultant for the international entertainment industry. Co-founder of The Growth Partners (with VJC Media). Leads Liberi Consulting, co-developing the 'Get Investment Ready Programme' that helps companies with plans to grow or diversify. 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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by Kerdi Oengo

Join us for a webinar with Kerdi Oengo, Executive Producer at Nukufilm Studios, as she shares her expertise in navigating international co-productions of stop-motion feature films. With over two decades at the helm of one of the world's oldest still-running stop-motion studios, she has produced more than 50 shorts and two full-length animated features. Learn how to plan and set up a production pipeline for stop-motion at feature scale and organize shooting across different countries. Kerdi Oengo (Nukufilm) Executive producer of the stop-motion animation studio Nukufilm (Estonia) since 2003. Produced 50 animation shorts plus 2 full-length features. Also lector of production in Art Academy animation department and Baltic Media School. 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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by Michaela Sabolcakova, Martina Peštaj, Tiivi Tüür

Gain unique insights into commissioning practices of three CEE public broadcasters. Michaela Sabolčáková (Slovak TV) opens with trends in children's content, audience preferences, distribution platforms, licensing, and IP brands. Followed by Martina Peštaj (RTV Slovenia) and Tiivi Tüür (ERR Estonia). Michaela Sabolcakova (Radio and Television of Slovakia) Works as a selector and commissioning editor of animated TV series, specials, movies and live action series for children and youth at the Radio and Television of Slovakia. Previously worked for an international distribution company. Started career at Slovak Television in the organising team of the International Television Festival Prix Danube. Martina Peštaj (RTV Slovenija) RTV Slovenia. Tiivi Tüür (ERR Estonia) Acquisitions executive at ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting), responsible for kids' content acquisition. Commissioning editor of animation, seeking content for children aged 4+. Attends major markets like NATPE Budapest. Involved in ERR's transition to streaming via on-demand service Jupiter. 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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by Martin Vandas

This case studies selected animation projects on which Martin Vandas collaborated with young aspiring filmmakers or students. You will find out how these collaborations started, took place, what impact they had on the direction of the professional careers of the individual filmmakers and what are the important premises of a quality film work. The lecture is based on the examples of authors and their cooperation with producer during the 20 years of the existence of MAUR film. Martin Vandas (MAUR film) Oscar® nominated Producer of "Daughter" by Daria Kashcheeva. 8 feature animated films, several short animated films, documentaries and TV review programs with hundreds of awards incl. Student Oscar, Crystal of Annecy. Member of European Film Academy, Association of the Czech Audio-visual producers, economic and content expert of Czech State Cinematography Fund and Slovak Audiovisual Fund, member of experts group CEE Animation, teacher of animation department of FAMU Prague. 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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by Mariusz Wilczyński

Kill It And Leave This Town is the first full-length film by Mariusz Wilczyński, taking 14 years to create. An autobiographical impression, a reminiscence of childhood pictures. Distinguished at Annecy, won FIPRESCI at Viennale, Grand Prix at Ottawa. Mariusz Wilczyński (Łódź Film School) Self-taught artist creating animated auteur cinema for over twenty years. Retrospectives at MoMA New York, National Museum of Brasília, Tokyo International Forum, National Gallery London. Realizes improvised live animation performances with symphony orchestras from Hong Kong, Paris, Tokyo, Geneva, Lviv, Warsaw. New York Times called him "one of the most important contemporary creators of artistic animation" (2007). Professor of animation at Film School in Łódź. 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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by Rustam Hasanov, David Toušek

Being an effective visual storyteller is more important than ever, whether for VR or animated film. This presentation focuses on using narrative elements from source material to create immersive storytelling. Rustam Hasanov Interdisciplinary artist working in Los Angeles. Lead artist and art-director for HBO, Disney, Dreamworks, Guillermo Del Toro, Jay Z. His aspiration is to mix ideas with experiences and turn them into iconic visual moments. David Toušek (ANOMALIA) ANOMALIA Story & Labs incubator (Czech Republic). Since 2015 helping directors and art teams bring concepts to launch. 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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by Éva Darabos

Éva Darabos discusses why block of flats areas are so important for her and offers a glimpse into where her inspiration came from to create award-winning short "Bye Little Block!" (Best Design Award at Ottawa International Animation Festival). Éva Darabos Born and grew up in Budapest, fell in love with drawing and filmmaking in late teens. Admitted to MOME animation department (2013), finished BA then MA. Erasmus semester in Turku, Finland. "Bye Little Block!" (2020) is her graduation film, winning Best Design Award at OIAF and awards in Poznań and Barcelona. Works as freelance animation artist and teacher at PreMOME. 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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by Maja Gehrig

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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by Sean Bobbitt

Sean Bobbitt, producer and CEO at BreakThru Films (Oscar-winning "Peter & The Wolf", Oscar-nominated "Loving Vincent"), shares the production process of "The Peasants" based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Wladyslaw Reymont. Sean Bobbitt (BreakThru Films) CEO of BreakThru Films studio. BreakThru produced Oscar-winning "Peter and the Wolf" (best animated short). "Loving Vincent" (2017) was the world's first fully painted feature film, grossed $42M worldwide. BreakThru continues developing oil-painted animation features. 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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by Tina Smrekar, Maja Gehrig, Luce Grosjean & others

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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by Olga Zhurzhenko

Rotoscopy is experiencing a renaissance, especially in adult animation and art-house projects. This session explores what rotoscopy truly is (and isn't), tracing its artistic roots and resurgence. Using insights from "The Peasants", "Rock Bottom", and "Children on Fire", the speaker shares when rotoscopy becomes the right artistic and production choice. Olga Zhurzhenko (BreakThru Films) Ukrainian producer, first feature THE TRUMPETER (2014). Cooperates with BreakThru Films on The Peasants, opened animation studio in Kyiv for them. Member of Producers Guild of America, European Film Academy and Ukrainian Film Academy. 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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by Špela Čadež

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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by Réka Temple, Maciej Jakubczyk, Zuzana Oharek Bahulova & others

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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