Programme Overview
A feast of Animation
All the programme highlights you can look forward to from 8 to 11 October 2026: competitions, supporting programme, interactive activities and more.
Competition Program
At the heart of the festival lies the competition programme, in which outstanding animated films from all over the world compete against each other in five categories. Many of the filmmakers are present and available for Q&As after the screenings. The coveted, hand-cast golden bear trophies and prize money will be awarded.
German AnimationTake a look at the creative diversity of the local scene. The German Animation competition showcases short films by animators based in Germany.
The competition also serves as the Opening Ceremony and marks the festive start of FAB 2025, followed by a reception after the program.
International AnimationThe International Animation competition showcases creative, diverse and surprising perspectives from international animation artists.
New TalentsThe New Talents competition features animated short films by students from international film schools, showcasing fresh perspectives and bold narrative styles.
Pink PandaThe imaginative films in the Pink Panda competition are accessible to a young audience. The Pink Panda competition offers high-quality, age-appropriate programmes for pre-school, primary school and young adult audiences.
Commissioned AnimationProfessional animation with a commercial background: The Commissioned Animation competition showcases creative animation in the context of advertising, image films, music videos, and more.
Additional Film Programme
Alongside the Competition Programme, FAB 2026 presents a range of additional film programmes that broaden the perspective on animation in different ways. These include curated specials, thematic screenings, and programmes with distinctive artistic, narrative, or genre-based focuses.
Horror SpecialWhen control begins to slip, the body turns strange, and something may be lurking outside: the Horror Specials explore sci-fi horror, body horror, and folk horror across three programmes. The audience has its say, with the best film receiving the Audience Award. Curated by Max Breckwoldt and Pia Djukic.
FAB Open AirThe Open Air Special at Freiluftkino Insel presents seven international animated short films from the FAB 2026 Competition Programme. Curated by Pia Djukic.
FAFF presentsThe Factual Animation Film Festival (FAFF) is dedicated to documentary, fact-based animated film. As a pop-up festival, FAFF presents its own competition at FAB.
Feature SpecialOut of Competition, but not to be missed: The Feature Film Special presents exceptional animated feature films from around the world.
Supporting Program
The supporting programme complements the competitions, offering a variety of formats for professionals, families, and those with an interest in animation. With the Berlin Animation Hub serving as a meeting place for workshops, meet-the-expert seminars, and industry dialogue; interactive exhibitions, such as FAB Dimensional; and family-friendly programmes, not to mention an annually changing focus topic, the programme offers ample opportunity for exchange, inspiration, and new perspectives on the world of animation.
More details on the FAB 2026 supporting programme will follow shortly.
