Animation Development & Pitching Lab Seeks Emerging Talent

We are thrilled to announce the fourth edition of Rise & Shine, an innovative animation development and pitching lab designed for young creators working on their first or second professional short films. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Animafest Zagreb, Animateka IAFF, and CEE Animation, and we are now inviting projects and participants for 2025!

This comprehensive three-part program will unfold in June 2025 at the prestigious World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb in Croatia, followed by online sessions in October 2025, and will culminate in December 2025 at the Animateka International Animated Film Festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Selected teams will gain invaluable insights through a series of lectures, workshops, and personalized sessions with industry veterans, including:

• Anna Vášová – Experienced scriptwriter and pitching mentor (13ka, CZ)
• Michael Dudok de Wit – Renowned director and screenwriter (NL)
• Pedro Rivero – Acclaimed screenwriter, director, and producer (ES)
• Jelena Popović – Creative producer (NFB, CA)

Participants will have the chance to compete for prestigious awards, including:

• Rise & Shine Audience Award
• CEE Animation Forum Award – direct selection to the 2026 Short Film pitching category
• Rise & Shine Film Centre of Montenegro Award (€1,500)
• Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Market 2026 attendance

All teams will benefit from direct access to esteemed experts, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively develop and pitch their projects. Additionally, filmmakers will have the opportunity to showcase their work to a broader international audience connected to Animafest and Animateka.

WHEN & WHERE:

June 2025 – Animafest Zagreb (Scriptwriting & Development Lab); October 2025 (online training); December 2025 – Animateka, Ljubljana (Pitching Lab and Competition)

WHO CAN APPLY:

We welcome young talents with inspiring first or second professional short animated films in development. While we primarily focus on applicants from the CEE region, we also encourage EU participants interested in collaborating with CEE creators (please refer to the guidelines).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 10, 2025

HOW TO APPLY: Complete the application form

MORE INFORMATION: Visit the CEE Animation official website

Rise & Shine is proudly supported by Creative Europe – MEDIA, Ministry of Public Administration Slovenia, Slovene Animated Film Association, Croatian Audiovisual Centre, City of Zagreb, Zagreb Tourist Board, Croatian Film Directors’ Guild, Audiovisual Producers’ Association, Czech Audiovisual Fund, and Ministry of Culture Czech Republic.