FOCUS: NIGHTMARE

Last year we focused on the search for the perfect world within the theme of Utopia. We let our imagination run wild and shared visions for a better world that is fairer, kinder, and more inclusive. But we also explored the fine line between dystopia and utopia, and discovered that what seems like an ideal state of things for one can mean absolute hell for another.

In light of developments in previous months, we sensitively perceive that our dream of a better world descends into a nightmare from which we can’t easily wake up. Neither pinching nor getting drenched with cold water helps because feelings of frustration, insecurity, or even fear have become normalised in our lives. There is no one to wake us up, save us, or suddenly magically solve our problems. But even though the situation may seem hopeless, at least we are in it together.

As part of this year’s Fest Anča programme, we’re confronting the nightmare face to face – studying it up close and personal to dig deep into hidden meanings. We aim to get into the wardrobe, under the bed, and also inside ourselves to face fears and neutralise nightmares. We want to present these episodes with empathy and see them as potential for change rather than a systematic flaw.

The selected film sections highlight the balance between good and evil, various forms of oppression and manipulation, as well as faith, loneliness, and the demons in society and within ourselves. We’ll take a glimpse into cults, meet a menagerie of monsters, and explore what our dreams mean. The films will showcase perspectives about danger/asylum, dream/reality, and love/hate.

The blocks will be complemented by discussions with figures related to the presented topics, such as psychologist Michal Hrozáň, activist Natália Heriban, and actress Lýdia Ondrušová.

We aim to use animation as an accessible means to look at the neglected, peripheral places that “haunt” our society to get to know ourselves and the world around us better. Because oddness and imperfection are not only beautiful, but can be a way for us to bring about a much-needed change. Towards a world where together we find the courage to face the nightmares that keep us awake.

  • Jakub Spevák, Programme Director and Focus Curator

A LIST OF FILMS THAT WILL BE SCREENED AS PART OF FOCUS

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS

Misery Loves Company Sasha Lee 2020
Right in the Eyes of the Mirror Mélusine Peduzzi 2023
Not Drifting Off Steph Hope 2021
Acid Rain Tomek Popakul 2019
Don’t Tell Mom Sawako Kabuki 2015
Hello Bambi Faiyaz Jafri 2011
The Fifth Floor Tereza Burianová 2023
Sweet Night Lia Bertels 2019

EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING

Happy End Jan Saska 2015
Homeless Home Alberto Vázquez 2020
Good resolutions Sara Priorelli 2021
Hold Me Tight Leoluna Tourneur-Robert 2021
Bloody Fairy Tales Tereza Kovandová 2018
Good Intentions Anna Mantzaris 2018
OBON Andre Hörmann, Anna Samo 2018
Sensor Ship Jina Yoon 2021
Darkness, Light, Darkness Jan Švankmajer 1989

CULTS, RITUALS AND HAPPY HAMSTERS

Money and Happiness Ana Nedeljković, Nikola Majdak Jr 2022
Crossing Agáta Bolaňosová 2018
Hot Dog Hands Matt Reynolds 2017
ÄLGEN Erik Svetoft 2019
My Fat Arse and I Yelyzaveta Pysmak 2020
Rabbit’s Blood Sarina Nihei 2017
Flesh of God Patricio Plaza 2022
Aeons Ark Sophie Vickers 2022

SUMMONING INNER DEMONS

Lucía Cristobal León & Joaquin Cociña 2013
Blue Fear Lola Halifa-Legrand, Marie Jacotey 2020
Hidden Desires Guido Depaoli 2022
Autour du lac Noémie Marsily, Carl Roosens 2013
Under the Rib Cage Bruno Tondeur 2018
Juliette Lora D’Addazio 2016
Metamorphosis Juan Fran Jacinto, Carla Pereira 2019
EIKO Colin Atthar 2020
Eating in the Dark Inari Sirola 2021

BLEEDING LOVE

The Surrogate Stas Santimov 2020
I Love Hooligans Jan-Dirk Bouw 2013
Jungle of Desire Wong Ping 2015
Farce Robin Jensen 2019
Hi, It’s Your Mother Daniel Sterlin-Altman 2016
Take Me Please Olivér Hegyi 2018
Liminal Love Ray Ting 2016
The Lovers Carolina Sandvik 2023

IN THE REINS OF POWER

CIS Amelie Bjurenhed 2016
The Boob Fairy Léahn Vivier-Chapas 2021
Beasts Among Us Natalia Durszewicz 2021
The Perpetrators Richard Squires 2022
In Case the Body Exults Florian Genthial 2021
Cockpera Kata Gugić 2020
Meneath: The Hidden Island of Ethics Terril Calder 2021
Victimhood Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Pierre-Alain Giraud 2023

The Fest Anča International Animation Festival 2024 is financially supported by the Audiovisual Fund, LITA Fund, SPP Foundation and FPU Art Support Fund.