Animator 2016 is primarily puppet animation. In this way, we decided to honor the memory of two outstanding artists and pioneers of this art: Zenon Wasilewski (1903-1966) and Władysław Starewicz (1882-1965). On this occasion, we will host the most outstanding representatives of this field of filmmaking: Barry Purves, Paul Bush, Stanislav Sokolov and Špela Čadež.

In the second important block of screenings, we will present Croatian animation. It is worth recalling that it was from Zagreb that the first European animated film awarded with an Oscar® came out, the city which is also the seat of the oldest, after the competition in Annecy, international festival of animated films.

The list of eminent artists who are hosted for the first time at the Animator is graced by Gerald Potterton, director of the cult "Heavy Metal" and Buster Keaton's last film "The Railrodder", and the excellent Czech producer Michaela Pavlátová. Of course, the core of the Animator are short and feature film competitions, allowing our viewers to get acquainted with the latest trends in world animation. And of course, there will be a traditional point of the program, which are screenings with live music.

At our festival, everyone should find something for themselves. On the one hand, there will be avant-garde, and on the other, attractions for children. And between these poles there will be many more excellent and diverse events. I cordially invite you to partake!

Marcin Giżycki, Artistic Director of the Festival

Awarded films

GRAND PRIX / GOLDEN PEGASUS: “Before Love” Igor Kovalyov, Russian Federation 2016

• Jury’s Statement: A complex film that creates its own unique universe.

II AWARD (NATIONAL AUDIOVISUAL INSITUTE AWARD) / SILVER PEGASUS: “Blind Vaysha” Theodore Ushev, Canada 2016

• Jury’s Statement: Visually strong film which forces us to reflect upon the present day.

III AWARD / BRONZE PEGASUS: “End Game” Phil Mulloy, UK 2015

• Jury’s Statement: An absurd, funny and terrifying film with perfect sound design and timing.

CRYSTAL PEGASUS FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Gerald Potterton

SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BEST MUSIC FILM / MUSIC: “Erlking” Georges Schwizgebel, Switzerland

• Jury’s Statement: A wonderful journey that perfectly combines music, visuals and poetry.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM: “Nuts!” Penny Lane, USA 2016

• Jury’s Statement: The author spins a tale that is at the same time enlightening, subversive and entertaining. Thanks to unexpected twists and the creative union of documentary filmmaking and animation it keeps you at the edge of your seat from the very first to the very last scene, and at the same time encourages its audience to reflect on the effectiveness of demagogy in politics and everyday life, and to take a critical look at the mechanisms of media self-creation.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BEST STUDENT FILM (RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS IN POZNAN AWARD): “About a Mother” Dina Velikovskaya, Russian Federation 2015

• Jury’s Statement: A touching film about unconditional love, told with a charming sense of humour.

POLISH FILMMAKERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR BEST POLISH SHORT FILM: “Figury niemożliwe i inne historie II / Impossible Figures and Other Stories II” Marta Pajek, Poland 2016

• Jury’s Statement: A sensitive outlining of a personal state of mind

SPECIAL AWARD FOR ARTISTIC MERIT – IM MEMORIAM OF WOJCIECH JUSZCZAK: “Kinki” Izumi Yoshida, Poland 2015

• Artistic Director’s Statement: For an interesting attempt to show that abstract film can explore the darkest recesses of the human mind

AUDIENCE AWARD FOR THE BEST SHORT FILM: “Sexy Laundry” Izabela Plucińska, Poland 2015

AUDIENCE AWARD FOR THE BEST FEATURE FILM: “Psychonauts, the Forgotten Children” Alberto Vázquez, Pedro Rivero, Spain 2015

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