FAB 2025 Awards

Herzlichen Glückwunsch an alle Preisträger:innen von FAB 2025

2025 - FAB25_Award_GroupPicture
zum Film

Bester Pink Panda

Ahoj Leto

von Martin Smatana, Veronika Zacharová

ausgezeichnet mit 1000 Euro gestiftet von dyrdee Media

zusätzlich eine einjährige Subscription bei Toon Boom, wahlweise für das Produkt „Harmony“ oder „Storyboard Pro“ gestiftet von Toon Boom

Hannah:

So, what I really liked in the movie were the shoe boats, the sun, and also the motel. The motel wasn’t that nice, but that didn’t matter, because in the end it was important that they were in vacation together with the family.
At the beginning I thought it was cool that the cat turned black. And at the end the best thing was that they all built a house together – actually a sandcastle. It had ridges and little corners, just like a real castle looks. The little girl made an entrance, the mom hung a pretty seashell necklace on it, and the boy put his orange book on top so it looked like a roof.
That was all so nice and fun. That’s why I say: Hello Summer should win the Pink Panda competition!

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_DerStachelimPo_ElenaWalfAward_covers - FAB25_Award_PinkPanda_StachelImPo

Special Mention

Der Stachel im Po

von Elena Walf

Jury Statement

Maja:

It hurts – but it’s also super funny. The poor dog is running around with a hedgehog spike in his bottom, and then one silly thing after another happens. If you don’t laugh at this, maybe you’ve got a spike stuck too! We nominate Pain in the Butt for a Special Mention.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_Haru tsugeFishAndFu raiBoy_TakeshiYashiroAward_covers - FAB25_Award_PinkPanda_Haruthusefish

Special Mention

Haru-tsuge Fish and Fu-rai Boy

von Takeshi Yashiro

Jury Statement

Oskar:

So, I really like the characters because I find the design quite cool. I also like that there are so many contrasts. For example: it is both sea and land at the same time, it is both cold and warm at the same time. I also really like that everything in the film is moving. It’s almost like shadows and sunlight in the background, flickering like a fire – I find that very beautiful. And I like the music, I find it very calming too. That’s why I’m really happy that the film Haru – Tsuge Fish and Fu – Rai Boy received an honorable mention.

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Bester Deutscher Animationsfilm

Contradiction of Emptiness

von Irina Rubina

ausgezeichnet mit 1000 Euro gestiftet von AG Animationsfilm & VES Germany

Anne Vasseviere:

We were shaped by our mother tongue. It means home, identity. But in war, in crises, the mother tongue is associated with something we reject. The language that once symbolized safety and identity has become tainted – morally and politically – by its association with violence or oppression. It is the language of crime.
Through a neutral and factual narration that amplifies the impact, who describes the loss of a linguistically and emotionally home, and through an amazing visual masterchief with the too rare pinscreen technique, the author offers a reflection about responsibility and powerlessness.
For his overwhelming capacity to transform an intimate conflict into an universal work of art, to give body to an intimate but collective pain, to evoke the actual war waged by his country, the jury awarded the first prize to Irina Rubina for „Contradiction Emptiness“.

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Special Mention

Dull Spots of Greenish Colours

von Sasha Svirsky

Jury Statement

Frank Geßner:

Where did it come from and what was is made of? (04:36) … it seemed to reflect any colors and features (05:00) … So we were staring into that distorted mirror (05:07) … in an attempt to make sense of anything but (05:11) … failing again and again (05:15) … and the image became flesh that ate flesh (05:24… But times went on … (05:29) … There is still no lack of fear, frustration, and confusion (05:34) … but no hope anymore (05:39)” … like the realistic drawings of Schöneberg’s children … sounds like a polyphonic Picasso who’s waiting on Godot … pairing of corresponding chromosomes during the first phase of meiosis … this is a synesthetic animation of Sasha Svirsky … “Dull Spots of Greenish Colours”: happy screening!

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_HimmelWieSeideVollerOrangen_BetinaKuntzsch

Special Mention

Himmel wie Seide. Voller Orangen

von Betina Kuntzsch

Jury Statement

Maria Trigo Teixeira:

With an unique, delicate and playful atmosphere, the film takes us on a trip back to the past, shedding light on a simple yet meaningful event while portraying so much of what make us human: curiosity, fear and hope for the future to come.
The Special Mention of the German Competition goes to „Sky like Silk. Full of Oranges“ by Betina Kuntzsch.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_Adios_JosePrats

Bester Internationaler Animationsfilm

Adiós

von José Prats

ausgezeichnet mit 1000 Euro gestiftet von Studio Lumatic

zusätzlich eine einjährige Subscription bei Toon Boom, wahlweise für das Produkt „Harmony“ oder „Storyboard Pro“ gestiftet von Toon Boom

Holly Murtha:

The best art understands that we, the viewer, make its meaning. Beautifully realised, expertly paced and animated with a precise eye for life and movement, and stillness, this film is nuanced and mature in a way that many of us know firsthand is difficult to achieve in our craft. Animation that feels this human can only come from years of study, much as its world can only come from a kinship with that land.
Much of this film feels like a gift. Its wide Spanish landscapes that let our eyes search its details. The art direction, voice acting, animation and sound design create a moment that feels weighted and tactile. And when it ends, we are left to ask what has changed, who has power, and whether we have changed also. In recognition for this gift, the jury awards first prize to „Adiòs“.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_NoRoom_JelenaOroz

Special Mention

Nema Mjesta

von Jelena Oroz

Jury Statement

Anne Isensee:

A sharp, witty and refreshingly self-aware take on urban life, car culture, and the daily micro-aggressions of public space. With clever visual metaphors – yes, cars have legs! – and a distinct, playful animation style, the film manages to be both funny and pointed, without falling into pure accusation.
Congratulations on this spirited, well-crafted short – and we look forward to seeing what walks, runs, or drives out of the next in „NO ROOM“.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_TheShynessOfTrees_BShu_MLeBras_JHuang_SHe_LHan_LDuPdArgentre_SChuikovskaAward_covers - FAB25_Award_NeueTalente_TheShynessOfTrees

Bestes Neues Talent

The Shyness of Trees

von Bingqing Shu, Maud Le Bras, Jiaxin Huang, Simin He, Lina Han, Loïck Du Plessis d’Argentré, Sofiia Chuikovska

ausgezeichnet mit 1000 Euro gestiftet von Alumniverein der Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF & ASIFA Germany

Ulf Grenzer:

A sharp, witty and refreshingly self-aware take on urban life, car culture, and the daily micro-aggressions of public space. With clever visual metaphors – yes, cars have legs! – and a distinct, playful animation style, the film manages to be both funny and pointed, without falling into pure accusation.
We congratulate on this spirited, well-crafted short – and we look forward to seeing what walks, runs, or drives out of the next in „The Shyness of Trees“.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_DoubleorNothing_TokayAward_covers - FAB25_Award_NeueTalente_DetlevDoubleOrNothingRecordari

Special Mention

Double or Nothing

von Tokay

Jury Statement

Anja Resman

This astonishing student film excels in every aspect of stop-motion animation. Through a dynamic and emotionally compelling story, it takes us on a journey into the history of Japan’s most powerful mafia leader. I was especially impressed by the camera work and transitions, which are executed with a level of professionalism rarely seen in student productions. The visual style feels polished and cinematic, while the dynamic movements keep the viewer consistently engaged and excited. On top of that, the film makes a very unique use of abstract metaphors and visual effects, adding layers of meaning and artistry that elevate the experience even further. And with that, I have to say „STOP MOTION IS DEFINITELY NOT DEAD!“ The title of this remarkable work: Double or Nothing.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_Recordari_CarolinaCruzAward_covers - FAB25_Award_NeueTalente_DetlevDoubleOrNothingRecordari

Special Mention

Recordari

von Carolina Cruz

Jury Statement

Saman Aboutalebi

This film skillfully uses stop-motion and a distinctive visual style, along with an artful play of space, light, and shadows, to depict the close and intimate bond between two girls, gradually revealing how oppressive forces and social and political unrest disrupt their safe and innocent world. It delicately and thoughtfully illustrates how these pressures can replace the security, joy, and carefree nature of childhood with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Precise character movements, carefully designed sets, and the interplay of light and color all work together to convey an emotionally and intellectually engaging experience. This heartfelt work delivers a universal message about childhood under difficult circumstances, engaging the audience’s heart and mind and inviting deep reflection on the lasting impact of social and political turmoil on individual lives. We are delighted to award a Special Mention at FAB 2025 to „Recordari“ by Carolina Cruz.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_Detlev_FerdinandEhrhardtAward_covers - FAB25_Award_NeueTalente_DetlevDoubleOrNothingRecordari

Special Mention

Detlev

von Ferdinand Erhardt

Jury Statement

Marina Belikova

This work explores the universal human longing for warmth and connection – something that transcends age and gender, yet is becoming increasingly harder to achieve in today’s atomized urban world. Using playful yet bittersweet metaphors, this beautiful stop-motion piece, set on a bleak, comfortless night, delivers a surprisingly heartfelt message about how powerful even the smallest human interaction can be when it is so desperately needed.
We are happy to name “Detlev” by Ferdinand Ehrhardt as a special mention of FAB 2025.

zum Film

Bester Animierter Auftragsfilm

Un peu plus d'action

von Alexis Beaumont

“In your face” is a fitting expression for this film in more ways than one. In just over a minute, a police operation turns into a sporting competition between rival law enforcement officers. The rubber bullet that bursts an eyeball, or the police baton that brings down a demonstrator. Every act of brutality is celebrated with familiar media gestures we know from major sporting events. And of course, a referee monitors the bloodshed for compliance with the rules, while none other than the King himself belts out the appropriate anthem for this small, cynical masterpiece by Alexis Beaumont: “A Little More Action.”

Statement von: Karsten Matern

zum Film

Special Mention

Quicksand

von Sujin Kim

Jury Statement

Vincenz Neuhaus:

A surreal journey into the depths of human emotion unfolds – quirky and uncomfortable, yet intriguing and appealing. With its distinct contemporary aesthetic, the animation lures us in without falling victim to the vacuity of conventional trend conformity. We are happy to name Quicksand for a special mention.

zum Film

Special Mention

Naive New Beaters & Star Feminine Band - Ye Kou Si Kuo

von Lola Lefèvre

Jury Statement

Marta Carbonell:

This film is a vibrant showcase of creativity and craft. The seamless transitions and fluid animation constantly surprise the viewer, while the bold shifts in camera perspective add a cinematic richness that keeps you fully engaged from start to finish. Every shot feels purposeful and clever, flowing effortlessly into the next. The daring design choices and striking aesthetic elevate the storytelling and sync beautifully with the rhythm, pace, and energy of the music—making the film not just visually captivating but an exhilarating experience overall.

zum FilmFilm_stills - Film_Lesbian Space Princess_Leela Varghese_Emma HoughHobbs

Bester Animierter Langfilm

Lesbian Space Princess

von Leela Varghese & Emma Hough Hobbs

gewinnt eine einjährige Subscription bei Toon Boom, wahlweise für das Produkt „Harmony“ oder „Storyboard Pro“ gestiftet von Toon Boom

tba:

coming soon

zum ProjektProject_stills - Project_Equina

Publikumspreis für den besten FAB Pitch 2025

Equina

von Natalia Solis

:

Special Mention für herausragenden Pitch