French author Stephen Vuillemin was the big winner in this year's 13th Animocje Festival (Bydgoszcz, Poland, 14-20 April 2024). His social media-infused story of identity won the hearts of the jury (Britt Raes, Krzysztof "Freeze" Ostrowski and Wiktor Stribog), who awarded the film the festival's Grand Prix.

This was not the only award in the festival, which had three special mentions to give (including one for Daria Kashcheeva's 'Electra'). The Junior Jury Award went to the satirical Finnish animation short 'Nun Or Never' by Heta Jäälinoja

The full Animocje Festival 2024 Winners' List:

Grand Prix and PLN 5.000
Stephen Vuillemin for the film “A Kind of Testament”.
Jury: "A beautifully uncomfortable film that shifts between mystery, humor and relatability. A visual style that winks at anime combined with distorted sound design. In a compelling and original way, the narrator tries to understand the motivation of her antagonist. Or is she trying to understand herself? It is intriguing to wonder which decisions will have a big impact on our future".

A Kind of Testament

First special mention and 1250 zlotys
Ethan Barrett for the film “Rosemary A.D. (after Dad)”
Jury: "A colourful rough childlike visual style combined with a dark and serious psychological topic. A snappy, fast paced, relatable, gut-wrenching and heartwarming film that makes you laugh and cry".
 
‍Second special mention and 1250 zlotys
Carla Pereira and Juan Fran Jacinto for the film “All is lost”.
Jury: "A fascinating parody on sitcoms that subverted our expectations of what the joke would be. Fascinating character design and an original art style enhanced the distorted setting".
 
Third special mention and 1250 zlotys
Daria Kashcheeva for the film “Electra”.
Jury: "A strong female perspective in a unique style and an impressive mix of techniques. An intense and twisted experience with strong sound design. The visceral symbolism repeats visually and narratively".

Electra
 

Junior Jury consisting of Michalina Łachowska, Wojciech Hofman and Tymoteusz Chlebowski awarded

Junior Jury Award
Heta Jäälinoja for the film Nun or never!
Jury: "At first glance, a seemingly simple animation technique carries immense emotional richness and an incredibly significant message. It's a story that aptly illustrates the bittersweet taste of love, the uncertainty of choices, and the feeling of isolation in one's struggles. The audience, along with the main character, experiences solitude in the rollercoaster of emotions, ultimately realizing that beneath the external mask of normalcy and "sanctity," everyone experiences their own dilemmas - and that connects us as humans. The minimalist execution and skillful balance between humor and seriousness make the film accessible, and each of us will find a part of ourselves in it".

Nun Or Never

 Special Mention
João Gonzalez for the film “Ice Merchants”.
Jury: "This film is abundant in both technical professionalism and touching emotional depth. The color palette, captivating from the first moment, and the thoughtful manipulation of frames and form underline the depth of the father-son relationship. Although the film tells the story of ice merchants, it melts the hearts of many viewers".

The Jury of the Team of Film Educators composed of Katarzyna Jaruszewicz-Kot, Dominika Zielińska and Kamila Szwarc awarded the prize and special mention in the Films for Children and Young Adults Competition

The Best Film for Children and Young Adults and 1000 zlotys
David Crisp for the film "a WORLD in CHAOS".
Jury: "For its exceptional distance and a tongue-in-cheek narrative, as well as skillful use of language and aesthetics that resonate with young audiences. It's worth appreciating that the film addresses many current issues without unnecessary didacticism".

A World in Chaos
 

Special Mention
Maria Görlich-Opyd for film "The sleeplessness of Jutka".
Jury: "For portraying the drama of history without excessive traumatization and for presenting it in a poignant manner, quoting the protagonist: "...a world that suddenly broke down."
 
‍Award for the Best Polish Film, for which the financial prize of PLN 5,000 was funded by the Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Piotr Całbecki

Szymon Ruczyński for the film “There Are People in the Forest”.
Jury: "With limited sounds and visuals, this film deals with a difficult topic in a matter of fact way without judgment. The minimalistic approach is well thought out with deliberate colour choices. The seemingly naive mix of perspectives reflects the complexity of the different points of view. The lack of emotions turns us into an observer, watching from a distance, and forces us to sit with our own feelings after the film is done".

There Are People In the Forest
 

Award for The Best Music Film and 1250 zlotys
‍Soetkin Verstegen for the film “Beautiful Figures” with music by Magda Drozd
Jury: "This music video explores how organic figures and shapes connect to subtle sounds. It is an emotional approach to a scientific notebook in which music and visuals intertwine".
 
The Audience Award in the International Competition
Ethan Barrett for the film “Rosemary A.D. (after Dad)”
 
The Audience Award in the Films for Children and Young Adults Competition
‍Augusto Schillaci for the film "La Calesita".
 
‍The 13th Animocje Festival took place 14-20 April in Bydgoszcz, Poland.