Jury Statement:
Director Volker Schlecht takes us through the mysterious case of a tiny jewel like frog that disappears without a trace in the rainforest of Central America. The film’s focus on a targeted crime perpetrated by unknowing humans sheds a light on the monstrous layers, known and unknown, of impact we humans have on the unbalancing and destruction of global ecosystem. The animation is realistic, contained, minimal. Without being overly flashy, the short’s thought provoking message resonates more than films taking a general environmental approach. As a 2d animator, and the daughter of an environmentalist, I would like to personally thank and congratulate “The Wainting” team on their win! Extremely well deserved.

Jury Statement:
Depression is the most common experience of mental suffering amongst humans. Despite its mundanity it represents a threat to life. It is still rare to find representations of this nuance in film and television, especially ones that help us laugh at our fallibility. This is the kind of film that, if the right person watched it at the right time, it might save their life, and that’s’ pretty hard to beat. Congratulations Ethan.

Jury Statement:
We could talk about how Zoon feels both grand and intimate at the same time, how we can all likely relate both to the bright little creatures seeking to feel comfort and pleasure, and to the monstrous people who devour them in search of something similar. But mostly, Zoon is weird. I have to quiet the part of me that wants to know just how the hell it was made, so that I can enjoy its subtly of light, its precise animation, its beautiful, haunting sound design.
It’s hard to make something this strange and haunting, and that Zoon is all of these things is a testament to the immense talent of its crew. Congratulations to Jonatan and your whole team.

Jury Statement:
The idea is great to make a movie to fall asleep or about dreams. The monkeys have funny noses. We like that the forest helps the monkey fall asleep. The movie looks beautiful overall. We also love the music.

Jury Statement:
Small Hours’ quiet vignettes of a life on earth, are like a supercut of the short, meditative moments we sometimes spot in longer films; moments for the viewer to breath, to see the world holistically outside of the characters and thus ourselves. It won’t change your life, but it does offer a break from it; a break from plot, from structure, from the inexorable march of time. It is a lovingly detailed vision of life, animated by two fresh, admirable talents.

Jury Statement:
We are complex creatures, none-more so than those gripped by new romance. This film weaves into the fleshy awkwardness of human sexuality, astute observations, and an unrelenting sense of humor. I remember being this overwhelmed by my body, heart, and mind, as I grappled with romantic counterparts. It’s quite an experience for a filmmaker to help you realize you weren’t alone. We all had to deal with this mess, and some of us are still in the thick of it. To those people I wish them good luck, and to Vivien, congratulations.

Jury Statement:
“The PMS Project” earns its Special Mention for its outstanding qualities. Its diverse artistic collaboration, mixing animation techniques, educational value, and fearless approach to challenging taboos make it a standout work of animation. The project not only enlightens audiences about an important health issue but also encourages us to engage in open, empathetic conversations, ultimately contributing to a more informed and inclusive society. Well done to all artists involved.

Jury Statement:
“Nummer 2” is a compelling mixture of emotions and textures. Foreboding, sad, majestic and somehow hopeful, the film brings its audience to unique meditative state where we can reflect on our place as human beings in the natural world.

Jury Statement:
The first prize goes to a poetic and romantic film that weaves the narrative and images delicately together. The jury appreciates the refreshing use of symbolic drawings and transitions that carry the audience through a thread of dreamy scenarios and emotions. Congratulations to 20/20 by Zsófi Sźenásy.

Jury Statement:
We are invited into a multi-faceted animated utopia in which nothing could be more idyllic. And yet, in a pointed narrative style, we are made aware that sometimes we just need our home. The second place winners are Monja Dietrich, Mona Keil, Arne Hain, Vincent Suttner with their film Schlaveinieverse.

Jury Statement:
This film convinced us with its solid storytelling and its joyous, charming visuals. It grabs us by the hand and leads us through a pleasant and adoarble universe where happiness always appears to wait just around the corner. The third price goes to Bananamania by Harry Bhalerao and Margarita Gehl!

Jury Statement:
With impressive clarity we are invited into the observations of a narrator whose reflections unearth the poetry in a seemingly mundane city street scenery. Subverting the subject matter of this challenge in a beautiful way, this film feels as light as it is profund. Our special mention goes to The Bus Stop by Miriam Pedrozo.