17th edition of the Biennial of Animation Bratislava - BAB 2024

The International Festival of Animated Films for Children, the Biennial of Animation Bratislava (BAB 2024), took place throughout October. A total of 1,764 films from 92 countries were submitted to the 17th edition of the festival. The names of the award-winning filmmakers in the competitive animation showcase were announced on October 10 during a gala ceremony held at Bratislava Castle. The awards presentation was followed by a masterclass led by American director and producer Frank Gladstone, an interdisciplinary panel of experts, and the discussion Current State of the Industry: The 6-Minute Challenge. The key themes focused on intergenerational exchange of experience and the latest technologies influencing creative professions and the future of animated content for children.

In addition to presenting high-quality films for children, the 17th edition offered a rich accompanying program for the public. Screenings of animated films were held at Bratislava Castle, Kino Lumière in Bratislava, primary schools, CINEMAX cinemas, cultural centers, and libraries in regional cities (Banská Bystrica, Dunajská Streda, Košice, Nitra, Poprad, Prešov, Skalica, Trenčín, Trnava, Martin, and Žilina), as well as at the BIBIANA Studio.

Throughout October, the biennial also featured lectures by renowned animation professionals (Quentin Auger, Cristina Angelucci, and Carolyn Gair) and workshops at primary schools in Bratislava. Under the guidance of experienced tutors (Miomir Rajcevic, Mikael Lindbom, Elodie Marechal, and Nadial Talah), children created their own animated films. BAB 2024 also presented several unique exhibitions celebrating the art of animation. Among the highlights were exhibitions by Academy Award-winning director Michaël Dudok de Wit at the University Library in Bratislava and the Slovak National Theatre in Košice, as well as the exhibition Film Poems and Songs at the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre Bratislava.

The International Jury of BAB 2024 selected the winners of this year’s festival:

• Children’s Audience Award: The Swineherd (Denmark), directed by Magnus Igland Møller and Peter Smith

• St. Adalbert Award for the Best Film from the V4 Countries: Grandma (Poland), directed by Julia Hazuka

• UNICEF Award: Monster (Germany), directed by Piers Goffart and Eric Giessmann

• Grand Prix – Viktor Kubal Award for Best Film: The Swineherd (Denmark), directed by Magnus Igland Møller and Peter Smith

• Albín Brunovský Honorary Medals for Outstanding Contribution to Animated Film: Felix Vangiderhuysen and Frank Gladstone

• Prix Klingsor for Lifetime Achievement: Rudolf Urc

More about BAB 2024 in media: https://www.bienaleanimaciebratislava.sk/v-mediach-media/