Animate the Festival!

Animate the Festival! is an intensive, week-long animation workshop that takes place in Bucharest, during the Animest International Animation Film Festival. The program is organised by the Animation Incubator in collaboration with Animest and in partnership with UNATC I.L. Caragiale, which hosts the workshop in its Digital Animation Lab.

 

Each edition brings together a selected group of 10 teenagers from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and now, Bulgaria as well.

 

During the day, participants work collaboratively on a short animated film, guided by experienced animation professionals.

In the evenings, they attend a curated Animest festival program, including animated feature films, short film screenings, local and international premieres, industry talks, and masterclasses. The experience also includes opportunities to meet directors, animators, and other industry professionals, build community, and take part in studio visits.


By the end of the week, the collaborative animation is completed and screened at the Animest Awards Ceremony, where it is seen by international festival guests and industry professionals. Following the festival, the film is distributed internationally and submitted to festivals worldwide.


You can explore animations produced in previous editions on Our Productions page.


Past participants have gone on to attend international festivals, gain further professional opportunities, and receive awards as a result of the films produced during Animate the Festival!.


Participation is based on an open call and selection process, announced in August ahead of each edition. The workshop is open to high school students who are members of the Animation Incubator Community. 


Participation is free, with accommodation, lunch during workshop days, and equipment provided by us. A selection process is in place, usually based on a short application task and a portfolio.


To apply, join the Animation Incubator Community here and follow us on Instagram @theanimationincubator to stay up to date with upcoming calls.

Join us!