CEE Animation Forum, the leading regional pitching, financing, and co-production market for European animated projects, returns to Pilsen on November 4–6, 2025. The 13th edition will spotlight the creativity in European animation through 29 pitching projects from 15 countries, across four categories: 9 short films, 8 student shorts, 6 series, and 6 feature films.
The selection caters to a diverse range of audiences, with 12 projects aimed at children, 7 for teenagers and young adults, and 10 for adult viewers. Projects were chosen from a record 199 submissions, which marks a 62% increase from 2024 and more than double the number from 2023. In preparation for their final pitches, participating teams benefited from the guidance of distinguished tutors: pitching coach Sibylle Kurz and producer Karolina Davidova (13ka).
Almost 200 industry professionals, from producers and directors to broadcasters, sales agents and representatives of national film funds, festivals and universities, will attend. This year’s juries bring together an impressive group of high-profile industry guests, including NRK – Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation representative; international distribution and sales experts from Mediatoon Distribution (FR), Falcon (CZ) and ShortsFit Distribution (ARG/IT), as well as seasoned producers from XBO Films (FR), Cinnamon Entertainment (BE), and Avec ou sans vous (FR).
Joining them are Caroline Maleville, Programming Manager at the Cinémathèque Française and member of Cannes Director’s Fortnight selection committee; Shelley Page, Head of Talent at Locksmith Animation (UK); Martina Peštaj, media psychologist (SI); filmmakers behind acclaimed animated works: Mirjana Balogh ("Wish You Were Ear") and Réka Bucsi ("Love").
FULL PROGRAMME
The intensive two-day programme will consist of four pitching sessions culminating in an award ceremony on the evening of November 6, as well as Market activities, one-to-one meetings and networking opportunities.
Panel discussion "Building Financing Bridges for European Animation" will highlight the new CODA Codevelopment Award, initiated by CEE Animation and supported by several national film funds, designed to strengthen the Central and Eastern European animation sector.
Complementing the Pitching Competition, this year’s Market will showcase a diverse range of animated projects in development, production, or nearing completion from accredited CEEA Forum guests.
“The animation landscape in Europe is changing fast, and Central and Eastern Europe has become a true nest of creativity and source of talent,” says Marta Jallageas, Managing Director. “Our mission is to facilitate networking, increase visibility for studios, and help them find the right partners to move their projects forward.The CEEA Forum has always been about more than pitching — it’s about building a community.”
Pitching projects compete for a combined value of over €50,000 in cash and non-monetary awards, including placements at top European training programmes, markets and services. Alongside CEE Animation Forum awards in four competition categories, there will be an Audience Award, a CEEA Workshop Scholarship Award, and six partners’ awards made possible by the generous support of Ciclic Residency, CARTOON Movie, Forum and Springboard, Young Horizons Industry, TVPaint, Travelling Distribution and BRATROnice Residency.
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