Animation education takes many forms across Europe, and the V4 region – comprising Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary – offers a distinct approach. While Western European schools often emphasize technical skills and direct preparation for the job market, many schools in the V4 region remain closely rooted in their rich artistic and analogue traditions. This focus fosters a unique creative environment, cultivating strong authorial voices and a variety of animation techniques that are highly valued within the European cultural space.
However, despite this artistic strength, many V4 institutions and their students face challenges – limited access to industry networks, a lack of international exchange, and fewer opportunities to gain experience with current production workflows or professional environments.
The V4 Student Forum at Fest Anča was created as a response to these needs. It offers a dynamic, tailored platform for V4 animation schools to connect, exchange know-how, and develop meaningful cross-border collaboration. Its goal is to strengthen both the creative and professional capacities of emerging talents and educators in the region.
Throughout the three-day programme, participating schools and students will have the opportunity to present their work, share ideas, meet industry professionals, explore new tools and practices, and engage in discussions that support both artistic growth and career development. The Forum also promotes cross-regional networking by connecting V4 schools with institutions and professionals from other parts of Europe and beyond.
The V4 Student Forum is the only long-term initiative of its kind in the region, dedicated to networking and capacity-building for schools, students, and educators alike. It runs alongside the broader Student Forum programme, allowing V4 participants to expand their network even further – meeting peers, learning from diverse approaches to animation education, and building bridges to the industry, including producers, distributors, and festival representatives.
In 2025, the V4 Student Forum at Fest Anča proudly welcomes six attending schools: The Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School in Lodz, Poland; Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, Czechia; Faculty of Multimedia Communications, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, Czechia; Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM), Czechia; Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Hungary (MOME), and The Film and Television Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, Slovakia (VŠMU).
The V4 Student Forum 2025 is an integral part of the International Animation Festival Fest Anča, and as a part of AFN Edu activities under the Animation Festival Network, is supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA programme. It is organised in cooperation with Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín. It takes place in Žilina, Slovakia, from June 24 to June 29, 2025.
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.
This event was co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe MEDIA programme.
PARTNERS
Faculty of Multimedia Communications, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín (Czechia)
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. They also learn teamwork and prepare for presentations of their own projects. Studio-based teaching focused on character animation runs throughout the program, encouraging artistic solutions at every stage of the creative process.
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.
Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague (Czechia)
Department of Graphic Design
The Animation and Film Studio offers students a platform for experimentation and pushing animation boundaries. The core principle is an individual approach to students. The aim is to support talent and develop creative skills, with an emphasis on original, independent thinking about society and on nurturing collective responsibility for our environment. According to the QS World University Rankings, UMPRUM is the only college from a post-communist country ranked among Europe’s most prestigious art schools.
The Department of Graphic Design (where the Animation and Film Studio is based) provides an open learning system. Its high-quality tutorial staff and technical facilities make the studios unique laboratories and meeting places where students can develop their creative skills.
The Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art (Czechia)
Sutnarka (The Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art) is a young art school based in Pilsen – the capital of beer. The Animation Studio operates at the intersection of fine and applied arts, rather than focusing solely on film technology. Students explore both traditional and digital techniques, while developing a strong, unique aesthetic.
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. MA students even join a secondary studio for two years to foster interdisciplinary work.
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. The school provides everything needed to explore ambitious ideas and develop young talents.
The Animation & Special Effects Faculty teaches students how to design and make animated films and special effects with digital and analogue cameras, as well as computer programmes. Skilful storytelling, bold themes, diverse animation techniques, experiments, and improvisation are features that distinguish the animated short films made by this faculty’s students.
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. It educates especially gifted students, supports their artistic growth, and promotes high professional standards. The Animation Department is now being revitalised under new head doc. Ivana Laučíková.
The BA offers a strong foundation in directing, 2D/3D animation, stop motion, and experimental techniques. From the second year, students join one of five ateliers, each led by a distinct pedagogue with a unique storytelling approach. The MA deepens personal vision through a diploma film, written thesis, and focused courses. The department nurtures individuality, encouraging students to grow as animators, directors, and versatile visual storytellers.
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.
The MOME Anim animation community is one of Hungary’s most influential creative workshops and intellectual centres of animation. The department offers BA and MA animation programmes, short-term courses, and international training programmes. In partnership with domestic and international partners, it also brings various animation projects to life, such as the KISKAKAS (Little Rooster) Film Days, exhibitions, film premieres and screenings, conferences, and professional panels.
PROGRAMME
Note: Selected sections of the programme are open to accredited visitors. You can see the schedule here.
Tuesday, June 24
New Synagogue Bar
Get Together Breakfast
Alumni talk
Faculty of Multimedia Communications, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, Czechia
Academy of Fine Arts Zagreb, Croatia
Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM), Czechia
Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), Tallinn, Estonia
University of Nova Gorica School of Arts, Slovenia
Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School in Łódź, Poland
National University of Theatre and Cinematography I.L. Caragiale, Bucharest (UNATC), Romania
Lusófona University in Lisbon, Portugal
The Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), Hungary
Film and Television Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava (VŠMU), Slovakia
School Presentation SUTNARKA
V4 Focus School Presentation and Screening: Studio of Animation and Interactive Art at University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
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 will address these and other questions in their presentations.
School Screening & Discussion SUTNARKA
V4 Focus School Presentation and Screening: Studio of Animation and Interactive Art at University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
Presentation of students’ works.
RE:ANIMA – A Joint Master’s Journey in Animation
with Lea Vidakovic & Lara Fuke
Explore RE:ANIMA, a European Joint Master’s program that offers a unique, collaborative approach to animation education across Europe.
Animation Festival Network: Navigating the Festival Circuit
with Ivana Sujová, director of Fest Anča & Erika Paulinská, producer at NINJA film, Coordinator of Festival Department at FTF VŠMU & project manager at Fest Anča
Learn how the Animation Festival Network supports filmmakers and get essential tips on preparing your film for festivals.
Žilina sightseeing
Labour of Love
LOL is a platform for students to showcase their passion projects — creative work that stretches beyond traditional animation. Whether it’s VFX, game development, visual arts, analog crafts, or any other form of artistic exploration, LOL celebrates the ways animation connects and inspires across disciplines. It’s your chance to share what you love with a community of peers, professionals, and fellow creators.
Wednesday, June 25
New Synagogue Bar
Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps
Presentation and Discussion: International Opportunities for Students in V4 and Europe
with Adam Laták
The National Agency for ERASMUS+ Programme in the Field of Youth and Sport will present a wide range of opportunities for young people in European youth programmes.
School Presentation AVANS
Professional Masters of Arts at the Avans University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands
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 will address these and other questions in their presentations.
School Screening & Discussion AVANS
Presentation of students’ works.
Scoring the Story: Music in Animation and Beyond
with Sune „Køter“ Kølster
How does music shape emotion, rhythm, and storytelling in animation? Composer and film scoring master Sune Kølster guides us through the art of film music – how to think about it, talk about it, and collaborate effectively with composers. This session offers valuable insights for all animators about finding the right musical partner and getting the most out of that creative relationship.
The Animated Worlds of Ala Nunu
Case Study: V4 Student Film Success Story
with Ala Nunu
A graduate whose creative journey has taken her from classroom critiques to international acclaim. This year’s success story is Ala Nunu, a Polish animator whose distinctive voice and bold visual storytelling have resonated with audiences around the world. Join us for an inspiring case study exploring Ala’s path from film school to major festivals.
Reus: A Case Study of a Professionally Produced Student Film
Ups and downs of professional producing student films in the Czech Republic?
with Noemi Valentíny, producer & Paulína Pokryvková, production manager from Pirogy Studios
Let’s dive into the details of this action-adventure between Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín and Pirogy Studios. How did the collaboration go? What were the perks and downsides of producing the student film professionally? If we could go back in time, would we do it again?
Film Screening
Selection of the Program Director of Fest Anča, Jakub Spevák
Fest Anča Warm-up & Networking Party
Kick off the festival in good company! Join students, teachers, and animation professionals for a relaxed evening of music, conversation, and connection – everyone’s welcome!
Thursday, June 26
New Synagogue Bar
Behind the Scenes of Polish Animation: The Role of the Polish Animation Producers Association (SPPA) in the Field of Education and Promotion
with Anna Głowik
Anna Głowik, head of Studio Letko – a 2D animation studio known for international co-productions – and board member of the Polish Animation Producers Association (SPPA), offers an inside look at how SPPA supports animation through educational initiatives, international promotion, and advocacy for the Polish animation industry. A valuable session for understanding how national networks can empower creative work.
Paving My Way as a Creative Producer: From Idea to Oscar Shortlist
with Aurelia Aasa
Producer and film journalist Aurelia Aasa shares her journey through the world of independent animation – from early concepts to international recognition, including an Oscar-shortlisted project. She’ll also introduce AAA Creative, the Tallinn-based studio she founded, and reflect on the evolving role of the creative producer in animation today.
Project Soho: Bridging School and Studio
with Maarten van Gageldonk
Maarten van Gageldonk, Pathway Leader of the Master Animation program at Avans University of Applied Sciences, presents Project Soho: an eight-week professional studio simulation that connects students with real-world clients. The project focuses on developing both technical (hard) skills and essential soft skills, preparing students for the realities of the animation industry.
Student Pitching Forum
The Student Pitching Forum is a platform where students present their student animation projects, whether they are bachelor or master’s level, to a panel of industry professionals.
Speed dating
A unique opportunity for students to meet and talk to distributors, producers, and other film professionals in a fast-paced setting.
Friday, June 27
Trip for students
V4 Roundtable for teachers
