About Animation Festival Network
The fifth edition of the Student Forum will take place from June 30 to July 2, 2026, as an integral part of the Fest Anča International Animation Festival, and as a part of AFN Edu activities under the Animation Festival Network. Founded in 2022 with the support of EEA Grants, the Forum continues to serve as a platform for students, educators, and emerging professionals to explore the many dimensions of animation education, fostering dialogue between theory, practice, and creative exploration.
Through discussions, case studies, and school presentations, participants are invited to share experiences, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of animation education. Students also have the opportunity to connect with animation professionals, gaining valuable insights and building networks within the international animation community.
This year’s Forum brings together two new partner schools alongside a strong group of returning institutions. The programme reflects a wide range of approaches to animation – from traditional techniques to contemporary practices – while also opening space for current topics such as well-being and sustainability in creative work.
AFN Edu activities under the Animation Festival Network are supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA programme. The Student Forum Fest Anča 2026 is organised in cooperation with the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) and the University of Žilina.
The project is co-financed by the governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the Fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.
With the support of the Government of Flanders and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Slovakia.
With the support of the Creative Europe Programme – MEDIA of the European Union.
FOCUS SCHOOLS
KASK & Conservatorium in Ghent (Belgium)
At KASK & Conservatorium in Ghent, Belgium, artistic development lies at the core of education. Students are encouraged to become independent creators with a distinctive voice, supported by a strong foundation in both artistic and theoretical knowledge.
The school integrates education, artistic practice, and research within an international and interdisciplinary environment. Students are motivated to explore beyond their primary field, while an open and supportive setting fosters autonomy and active engagement with society.
In the animation department, the focus goes beyond technical skills towards developing an individual artistic identity. Drawing forms the foundation, expanding into movement, storytelling, and visual expression. The creative process – research, experimentation, and reflection – is central.
A diverse team of teachers supports this process, encouraging critical thinking and participation in projects and international festivals. Each academic year balances technical training with personal projects, alongside opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
In the master’s programme, students focus on independent artistic research, combining a personal project with a written thesis. Graduates are known for their individuality and versatility, often presenting their work at international festivals and exhibitions.
Maï Calon
Maï Calon is a filmmaker specializing in stop-motion and 2D animation. She holds a Master’s in Animation from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (now KASK & Conservatorium) in Ghent. She received several scholarships, including the Horlait-Dampsen Prize. Her work takes a poetic approach to image, movement, and sound, with a strong sensitivity to sound, exploring themes of wonder, silence, expectation, and the power of the invisible.
Shown internationally in cities including New York, Amsterdam, Geneva, her films seek stories that make the invisible tangible and spark the viewer’s imagination. Maï currently teaches and coordinates the animation faculty (BA) at KASK & Conservatorium, while continuing to direct short films.
Anton Cla
Anton Cla is a media artist and animation filmmaker. He explores narrative structures as non-linear networks, re-examining the political and emotional codes of mass entertainment through experimental films, simulations, and interactive media. Working across film, animation, and interactive formats, he interrogates contemporary storytelling through digital animation and game aesthetics. His practice critically engages with mainstream cinematic forms, unfolding through constructed, atmospheric timelines and immersive landscapes. His work leans into dissonance, revealing underlying human tension and societal instability.
His work has received international awards and has been presented at festivals such as Annecy, DOK Leipzig, Ottawa, and Fantoche. Alongside his artistic practice, he collaborates with musicians, theatre makers, and visual artists, and teaches at KASK, LUCA, and Howest.
Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow (Poland)
The Animation Film Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, founded in 1957, was the first animation-focused studio within Polish art schools. Today, it is a highly specialized institution offering comprehensive, master-level education in animated filmmaking.
Over a five-year programme, students gain in-depth training across the entire animation production process, from concept development and scriptwriting to animation, editing, sound design, and postproduction. The curriculum combines manual and digital techniques, supported by collaboration with composers and sound professionals. Each student completes an independent diploma film.
The programme emphasizes both artistic development and professional readiness, encouraging students to build a distinct creative identity while meeting contemporary industry standards. Practical experience is enhanced through collaborations with the film industry and participation in international projects.
The Studio maintains a strong international profile, hosting exchange students and co-organizing the annual International Animated Film Workshops, which bring together filmmakers and students from around the world.
Graduates are active in both Polish and international studios, with student films regularly presented and awarded at major festivals including Cannes, Annecy, Berlinale, Hiroshima, and Zagreb, reflecting the Studio’s strong reputation and impact.
Robert Sowa
Animated film director, producer, and academic lecturer, Robert Sowa graduated from the Faculty of Graphic Arts at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. His work spans original animated films, painting, photography, and multimedia projects, combining animation with contemporary music. He has collaborated on feature films and documentaries. He is Head of the Animated Film Studio, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, and Artistic Director of the Animation Center in Kraków. His films have screened at festivals, and his work has been exhibited at the Centre Georges Pompidou, MoMA in New York, and the National Museum in Krakow. He is a member of the Polish Filmmakers Association, ASIFA, and an expert at the Polish Film Institute.
Ewa Grzesiak
Animator and visual artist, she is a graduate of the Faculty of Graphic Arts at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. Her practice spans animated film and painting, combining traditional techniques with computer graphics and graphic design. She experiments across media, exploring the intersection of analogue and digital image-making. Alongside her artistic work, she is actively involved in academia, supporting the production of student short films and graduation projects. She also collaborates with the Animation Center in Krakow, contributing to the development of debut and original animated films. Her works have been presented at festivals in Poland and internationally, including in St. Petersburg, Australia, Slovenia, Romania, and other countries.
ALUMNI SCHOOLS
Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) (Czech Republic)
The Animation and Film Studio at UMPRUM (Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague) offers a vibrant space for both traditional animation techniques and contemporary forms and technologies. Students work on auteur films while exploring animation’s wide-ranging applications, from music videos, trailers, motion design, and games to interactive installations. The program emphasizes a hands-on, experimental approach, supported by UMPRUM’s interdisciplinary environment that fosters collaboration across fine and applied arts.
Students engage with narrative and non-narrative dramaturgy, study the ergonomics of movement, and learn both classical and digital animation techniques. The curriculum encourages formal and conceptual experimentation while maintaining high professional standards, cultivating responsibility toward the creative process and confidence in presenting work. The studio provides a four-year BA and a two-year MA program, with opportunities for artistic research in doctoral studies, Erasmus+ internships, and a two-year English-language Visual Arts track for international students, ensuring a rich, globally connected learning experience.
Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) in Tallinn (Estonia)
The Animation programme at the Estonian Academy of Arts is designed to educate the next generation of animated film creators by combining solid theoretical knowledge with extensive practical skills, preparing students for both artistic and professional pathways in animation. The Department of Animation further aims to contribute to the global discourse and development of animation as an art form.
Students are encouraged to approach their film creations in a highly individual way, developing a personal vision, unique philosophies, and their own creative processes. Practical workshops and technical courses provide the skills and tools necessary to bring these ideas to life across a variety of animation techniques and media. Alongside this, theoretical classes help students contextualize their work within the broader field of animation and the contemporary art world, supporting them in defining themselves as fully-fledged artists. Through guided projects and independent creations, students learn to realize their unique perspectives confidently.
The Department of Animated Film at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb (Croatia)
The Department of Animated Film at the Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb, is a dynamic and forward‑looking centre for learning the art and craft of animation. It offers a well‑structured BA programme where students build a strong foundation in classic and contemporary animation techniques, including 2D, 3D and experimental approaches, while also gaining technical fluency with industry‑standard tools. The MA programme then shifts focus toward deeper artistic exploration and personal expression, helping students refine their voice as directors and visual storytellers. Graduates leave capable of developing, animating, and producing their own films with confidence.
What makes this department unique is its blend of solid professional training with a vibrant engagement in the wider art world: students are exposed to contemporary art practices, collaborate with visiting artists, and benefit from connections with external experts and institutions. The curriculum is continually evolving to reflect current trends, and there are ample opportunities to participate in international workshops and festivals. Through hands‑on projects, guided critiques and real‑world exposure, students are prepared to enter the industry as creative professionals.
University of Nova Gorica School of Arts (Slovenia)
The University of Nova Gorica School of Arts focuses on the development of author personas. After a foundation year covering fundamentals in several fields, students choose their preferred career module, allowing them to specialise. Students use their chosen technique – from 2D digital or traditional technique on paper, stop motion, relief clay with replacement, painting on glass, to puppet stop‑motion films.
The School of Arts is a young, dynamic institution that values a personal approach to each student and supports them with contemporary teaching methods and a rich palette of collaborators and visiting mentors. Practical work is emphasised throughout the programme, and students regularly participate in workshops, exhibitions and events like the Animation Hub, where they can test playful and experimental approaches. Besides a number of short and semester‑long mobility options, students can be included in international projects and collaborations with the local community and cultural industries, gaining real‑world experience before graduation.
Faculty of Multimedia Communications, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín (Czech Republic)
The Animation Studio offers students the opportunity to cultivate their storytelling, creativity, and craftsmanship through hands‑on experience. Students explore 2D, 3D, and stop motion techniques, character design, and storyboarding early on, developing a strong foundation in both classic and modern approaches to animation. They also learn teamwork, critical thinking, and prepare for presentations of their own projects, equipping them with skills needed for collaborative production environments. Studio‑based teaching focused on character animation runs throughout the programme, encouraging artistic solutions at every stage of the creative process and helping students shape a professional portfolio.
Emphasis has shifted from isolated projects to building a coherent skillset, where each workshop, team collaboration, and internship contributes to preparing students for real‑world practice and the evolving challenges of the animation industry. Graduates are ready to work in animation and post‑production studios, game development, advertising, television, or pursue original filmmaking.
Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School in Łódź (Poland)
The Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School in Łódź emphasises practical work in its teaching programme. The school educates directors, directors of photography, animators, photographers, screenwriters, editors, film and television production managers, and actors, providing everything needed to explore ambitious ideas and creatively develop young talent successfully.
One of its key specialisations is the Animation & Special Effects Faculty, where students learn how to design and make animated films and special effects using both digital and analogue cameras, 35 mm film stock, and various computer programmes, alongside projects such as music videos and advertising films. Skilful storytelling, bold themes, diverse animation techniques, aspects of sound and film editing, experimentation and improvisation are hallmarks of the animated short films produced by this faculty’s students, many of which have won awards at international festivals — including at Cannes, Berlinale, and Clermont-Ferrand.
National University of Theatre and Cinematography I.L. Caragiale (UNATC), Bucharest (Romania)
The Animation and Interactivity (AI) department at UNATC Bucharest, founded in 2019, pioneers artistic education in film and theatre through cinematic storytelling and new technologies, emphasizing teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. The department combines traditional animation with cutting‑edge digital practices, preparing students to explore animation as an expressive art form within contemporary media environments
The BA covers 2D/3D animation, AR, and VR, guiding students in world‑building and short film production and helping them develop a personal visual language grounded in cinematic narrative and immersive experiences. The MA focuses on author‑driven directing and emotional storytelling through five‑ to seven‑minute short films, with opportunities to present work at exhibitions, pitches and international events.
The department collaborates with ANIMEST IAFF and offers residencies, workshops, public pitches and English programmes in Interactive Technologies and Game Design. With small cohorts and dedicated faculty, AI supports each student’s path in the cultural industries.
The Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art (Czech Republic)
Sutnarka (The Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art) is a young art school based in Pilsen that combines design, applied arts, media and new technologies in a highly interdisciplinary environment. The Animation Studio operates at the intersection of fine and applied arts, rather than focusing solely on film technology, encouraging students to experiment with both traditional and digital techniques while developing a strong, unique aesthetic and visual language.
Students explore a wide range of practices and we encourage creative versatility: graduates work not only in film but also as art directors, game designers, animation technologists, or fine artists. Collaboration is key — students often team up with other studios, such as ceramics or interactive design — and MA students even join a secondary studio for two years to foster interdisciplinary work. The programme also offers mobility, workshops and exchange opportunities to broaden students’ creative horizons.
The Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) (Hungary)
The Moholy‑Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) promotes an alliance of science and arts. Its creative work is characterised by a synthesis of social demands, technological opportunities, economic assets, and environmental resources, creating a fertile ground for experimentation and artistic innovation.
The MOME Animation community is one of Hungary’s most influential creative workshops and intellectual centres of animation, rooted in a rich tradition. The department offers both BA and MA animation programmes, with the BA focusing on developing professional and theoretical knowledge alongside an individual artistic vision, while the MA – available in English – places strong emphasis on content development, independent perspectives and mastery of classic and emerging technologies, including immersive formats
In partnership with domestic and international partners, it also brings various animation projects to life, such as the Friss Kakas Film Days, exhibitions, film premieres and screenings, conferences, and professional panels that connect students with the global animation community.
Film and Television Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava (VŠMU) (Slovakia)
The Film and Television Faculty is the oldest and most prestigious film school in Slovakia, educating especially gifted students, supporting their artistic growth, and promoting high professional standards in all core cinema disciplines. The Animation Department, now being revitalised under a new head doc. Ivana Laučíková, continues this tradition by preparing students for creative and technical animation practice.
The BA offers a strong foundation in directing, 2D/3D animation, stop motion, experimental techniques and narrative development. From the second year, students join one of five ateliers, each led by a distinct pedagogue with a unique storytelling approach, ensuring individual artistic mentoring and a range of creative perspectives.
The MA deepens personal vision through a diploma film, written thesis, and focused courses, with emphasis on experimental procedures, authorial intention and professional readiness. The department nurtures individuality and versatility, encouraging students to grow as animators, directors, and visual storytellers.
Film and TV Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU)
(Czech Republic)
The Department of Animated Film
The Department operates on the principal assumption that animated film belongs to the dramatic arts. The cornerstone of our study programme is the independent animated short in its many forms – from small études to animated documentaries.
The overall approach is to find and foster the unique voice of each individual student and master the tools and skills needed for animated cinema while taking a holistic perspective. Therefore, we focus not just on the production itself, but also on the
development stage – including budgeting and the presentation of projects – as well as the postproduction and distribution phases.
As a film school, we also encourage creative teamwork with students from other departments, such as sound design, editing, and film production. This allows us to simulate conditions close to a professional environment, enabling our students to bring their visions to life, achieve excellence, and hopefully sustain their passion for animation throughout their future careers.
Programme
Note: These programme sections are open to the accredited visitors. The Student Forum takes place at the University of Žilina (UNIZA), New Synagogue, and Stanica-Záriečie.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 / UNIZA
10:30 – 12:00
3–2–1 Spotlight on… Alumni Schools (Part 1)
Participating schools from previous Student Forums present their approach to teaching animation alongside a selection of student works. Each presentation follows a simple structure – approach, films, and a final “signature moment” – giving each school the scope to express its identity and creative focus.
12:15 – 13:15
Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, Poland
with Robert Sowa & Ewa Grzesiak
V4 Focus School Presentation and Screening: The Animation Film Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków
How do schools approach the teaching of animation? What does their curriculum look like? What is a graduate’s profile? Representatives from the participating schools address these and other questions in their presentations.
14:15 – 15:45
School Screening & Discussion Krakow
V4 Focus School Presentation and Screening: The Animation Film Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków
Presentation of students’ work.
16:15 – 17:15
Cooperation between animation studios and academia in Poland
V4 Case Study
with Robert Sowa, Head of Animation Film Studio, Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków
This presentation introduces the Krakow Animation Centre, a production studio that bridges education and industry. As part of the Krakow Film Cluster, it connects professionals with emerging talents, supports student collaboration, and develops original projects from shorts to features. A practical example of how schools can strengthen ties with industry and expand international opportunities.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 / New synagogue
09:30 – 10:30
KASK & Conservatorium in Ghent, Belgium
with Maï Calon & Anton Cla
How do schools approach the teaching of animation? What does their curriculum look like? What is a graduate’s profile? Representatives from the participating schools address these and other questions in their presentations.
10:45 – 12:15
School Screening & Discussion KASK
Presentation of students’ work.
13:15 – 14:00
Ukrainian Animation: Education, Continuity, and the Future
with Serhii Mirankov
This presentation introduces Ukrainian animation as a living artistic and educational tradition. It reflects on its place within the Institute of Screen Arts in Kyiv, the continuity between generations of students and alumni, and the broader context of the upcoming 100-year anniversary of Ukrainian animation. It also highlights current efforts to increase its visibility through education, screenings, and international exchange.
14:15 – 15:30
3–2–1 Spotlight on… Alumni Schools (Part 2)
Participating schools from previous editions of the Student Forum present their approach to teaching animation alongside a selection of student works. Each presentation follows a simple structure – approach, films, and a final “signature moment” – giving each school space to express its identity and creative focus.
Stanica Žilina–Záriečie
20:00 – 21:00
Presentation of the Animation Festival Network & Film Screening
A representative will speak about how the Animation Festival Network supports filmmakers and together, with a screening of the curated programme, That’s What She Said collection of films by female directors from CEE (comprising films screened by Animation Festival Network members: Anifilm, Animafest, Fest Anča, Animest and Animateka). This selection was chosen by the festivals’ programme directors.
21:00
Fest Anča Warm-up & Networking Party
Start the festival together! Join students, teachers, and animation professionals for an easy-going evening of music, conversation, and new connections. Everyone’s welcome.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
09:30 – 10:30
From Classroom to Global Stage: A Student Film Success Story
V4 Case Study: Student Film Success Story
with Daria Kashcheeva, writer, director
Daria Kashcheeva shares the journey behind her internationally acclaimed student films Daughter and Electra. From FAMU to global recognition, she reflects on her creative process and student experience. Blending stop-motion with live-action, her work pushes boundaries and stands as an inspiring example of how student films can resonate worldwide.
10:45 – 12:15
Student Pitching Forum
This is a platform where students can present their bachelor or master’s animation projects to a panel of industry professionals.
13:15 – 14:15
Spotlight on Stop Motion: Animarkt Stop Motion Forum & Momakin
V4 Case Study
with Paulina Zacharek & Agnieszka Szkudlarek (MOMAKIN)
This presentation introduces ANIMARKT Stop Motion Forum, a leading stop motion international event. Organized by MOMAKIN, it connects creators, producers, and distributors through pitching, workshops, and networking. The session highlights industry insights, production realities, and opportunities for students to engage with professional practice.
14:30 – 15:30
Not a Director, Still Essential (Careers in Animation)
V4 Case Study
with Marek Jasaň, animator
Marek provides a behind-the-scenes look at careers beyond directing. Drawing from his films like Electra (2023) and Tales from the Magic Garden (2025), he reflects on roles such as lead animator and the importance of collaboration. His journey shows how diverse skills – from stop-motion to hybrid techniques – can open varied and meaningful paths in the animation industry.
About the Animation Festival Network
The Animation Festival Network (AFN) connects five leading animation festivals from the CEE region, all dedicated exclusively to auteur animated films for both young and adult audiences.
Formally founded in 2020, AFN is an organic extension of partners´ previous collaborations and a formal framework to achieve shared goals: promoting auteur animation, improving audience outreach, and strengthening capacities by exchanging good practices/experiences.
AFN Edu, an education initiative with the addition of Student Forum, aims to reach and develop young filmmakers by introducing them to the animation industry, experts, and future collaborators through lectures, workshops, and festival networking opportunities.
Animafest Zagreb (Croatia)
Anifilm International Festival of Animated Films (Czechia)
Fest Anča International Animation Festival (Slovakia)
Animest International Animation Film Festival (Romania)
Animateka International Animated Film Festival (Slovenia)
Partners
Co-organizer
