2034
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Heinrich Mader
5
Austria
2026
Two next-generation robots are created from a kind of digital DNA. They wander through a dystopian world, across battered roads, through gloomy cities and deserted areas, until they reach a museum. There, pictures from the past of their ancestors from the prequel video “2024” hang on the walls. Surrounded by walls full of memories, they celebrate and make music—but suddenly something unexpected happens: the pictures come to life. Flashes of light, swirls of energy, and time tunnels make the images dance. Everything is observed by surveillance cameras reminiscent of the famous double-slit experiment—as if the viewer's gaze changes reality.
hEIN! (Heinrich Mader) is a Vienna-based composer, producer, DJ, and visual artist. He operates at the intersection of sound and image to create a compelling fusion of electronic music production and visual storytelling. This vision is deeply rooted in a rich academic background from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he studied computer music and media composition before transitioning into a successful freelance career. As a versatile film composer, hEIN! scored notable cinematic releases such as Echte Wiener 2 and Rise up and dance. His recent projects, including the video and music releases 2024 and 2034, showcase his evolution into a truly multimedia creator, complemented by his weekly radio show and over 500 virtual DJ sets within the virtual world of Second Life.
Angel & Meow
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Clemhyn Escosora
15
Slovakia
2025
"What if the most important soundtrack in the universe was composed by a man and a cat?" Logline: A meta-cinematic odyssey where the boundaries between a composer’s studio and a sci-fi galaxy dissolve through the power of sound. Synopsis: Angel is a visionary composer living within the infinite echoes of cinematic worlds. When he is tasked with scoring a life-defining sci-fi blockbuster, his creative process is transformed by an unexpected encounter with Meow—a cat with extraordinary sensory abilities. Together, they transcend the walls of the studio, diving into a deep-space mission to save humanity on a distant, vibrant planet. In this 3D animated non-verbal experience, the dialogue is replaced by an immersive sonic landscape. The film’s heart beats through its soundtrack, mastered by two-time Grammy winner Vlado Meller (USA)—the only engineer whose work travels on NASA’s Golden Record aboard Voyager 1. By blending cutting-edge UE5 visuals with a masterfully crafted Dolby-ready mix by Vlado Železňák Jr., Angel & Meow is not just a film; it is a symphonic exploration of the cosmic bond between creativity and companionship.
Tokyo-based visionary filmmaker Clemhyn Escosora is a powerhouse in the world of high-end 3D animation and immersive world-building. With over 12 years of experience at the intersection of Hollywood blockbusters and the Japanese gaming industry, Clemhyn currently lends his expertise to the world-renowned SEGA, where he continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. His impressive portfolio includes high-profile contributions to global franchises such as Paramount Pictures' Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, as well as the critically acclaimed Netflix series Alice in Borderland (Season 2). His versatility spans from character animation in Sonic Frontiers to artistic direction in the Kamen Rider universe. Beyond the major studios, Clemhyn is an internationally recognized independent creator. His award-winning short films—including Adarnia, The Odd One, and A Familiar Visitor—have been celebrated at prestigious festivals worldwide, including a Graphics Selection at SIGGRAPH Asia and an Official Selection at Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia. Combining a deep technical mastery of Unreal Engine 5 with a soulful, cross-cultural approach to narrative, Clemhyn’s work is defined by its ability to breathe life into extraordinary worlds. Whether collaborating with French musical artists or lead-animating global icons, he remains a leading force in the international digital arts scene. Selected Filmography: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) – Feature Film, Paramount Pictures (Animator) A Familiar Visitor (2023) – Short Film (Director) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) – Feature Film, Paramount Pictures (Animator) Alice in Borderland (2022) – TV Series, Netflix (Animator) The Odd One (2022) – Short Film (Director) Adarnia (2021) – Short Film (Director) Key Awards & Honors: Best CG Animation Award – Digital Frontier Grand Prix (Japan) Graphics Selection – SIGGRAPH Asia Best Sci-fi Winner – Paris Cinema Awards & London Shorts Official Selection – Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (Tokyo)
Comb Story
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Ernesto Rodriguez Cruz
3
United States
2026
Elena holds a wooden comb in her hands as memories pull her back to childhood — her mother combing her hair slowly, every single day, even when Elena was already a grown young woman. When life swept her away to the city, Elena cut her hair and with it cut her way back home. The years filled up with reasons not to return. Elena never understood why her mother combed her hair until the day she finally stood in front of her mother, took out the comb, and ran it through her hair for the very first time.
Ernesto R. Cruz is a filmmaker who currently works full time as an Assistant Professor at VCUarts. His work focuses on stories that resonate with audiences beyond their intended purpose, inviting reflection. He employs a distinctive visual imagery built on symbols that draw viewers to contemplate their meaning within the diegesis. Visual language is the most powerful tool in his films, where every element carries significance. His filmography includes two awarded animated productions: The Discovery (2024) and Comb Story (2025), recognized at numerous festivals worldwide. He is currently in production on his third animated film.
DIVE IN
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
DESPOINA DOUZI
2
Greece
2026
A hand-drawn 2D animation exploring the body as a permeable surface between inner and outer worlds.
Through a dreamlike journey, the protagonist moves within a fluid environment where perception becomes unstable and boundaries dissolve.
As the body begins to sink, everything gradually immerses into the blue
HORUS
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Ali Alp ERDOĞAN
3
Türkiye
2026
A short animated film telling the story of Horus's ascension to the throne—the most well-known character in thousands of years of Egyptian mythology.
He was born in 2001 in the city of Niğde, Turkey. After graduating from a fine arts high school, he was admitted to the Department of Graphic Design in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Anadolu University in Eskişehir. He studied graphic design and motion design, participated in internship programs, and began creating work in the field of animation. While continuing to work as a graphic designer at an advertising agency, he also continues to produce independent animations.
Kores
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Maria Anna Vrachni
3
Greece, Netherlands
2026
Medea escapes her abusive household. She runs into a forest where mystical creatures grand her supernatural abilities. With her newfound powers, she seaks revenge but the outome is not what she expects
Maria Anna Vrachni is a greek director based in the Netherlands. She studied Animation and Design in Willem De Kooning Academy, Hogeschool Rotterdam. Her Project 'Kores' is her debut animated short film, serving also as her graduating project. She is exploring female representation in animated media. The director uses the realm of Fantasy to comment on of socio-political issues in a safe, 'unreal' space.
Once Upon a Test
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Venetia Theodosiou
3
Cyprus, Netherlands
2025
Venice, a determined student, faces a timed test that triggers her deep-seated anxiety and learning challenges. As the clock ticks, numbers on her paper distort, and an overwhelming creature of her fears grows within her mind, feeding on her rising panic. Just when the pressure becomes unbearable, her teacher’s calming voice brings her back, guiding her to breathe and find her center. In her mind’s dark space, Venice confronts the monster, ultimately embracing it as part of herself. By accepting her learning difficulties, she finds clarity and completes the test, realizing that her challenges are not her weaknesses, but her strengths in disguise.
Venetia Theodosiou is an aspiring Audio-visual Director and Producer, who is now in her 3rd year of University at Willem de Kooning studying Animation in the Netherlands! She was born and raised in Cyprus and is a graduate of the American Academy of Larnaca. Her mother tongue is Greek(Cypriot) and she is also fluent in English. During her time at university, she found a deep love for movement but also for organising something so well that it comes to life in the perfect timeframe. She previously worked as a producer to help create the Teaser for the series titled “Ohgee”. As a director her stories always aim to give hope and heal the audience giving them a chance to see things they might miss or help them realise things that empower them to reach their best version of themselves. She hopes the work s she makes are meaningful to some and inspiring to others as she believes art to be healing and relaxing to the soul. She also sees art as an interaction tool that can provide help in learning by tapping into the audience feelings for a deeper connection.
Profitable place
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Alex Maximov
5
Belarus
2025
Some places in the world are better for business than others. And with the right skills, you don’t just meet demand — you create it.
Indie filmmaker
Reconcile
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Konja Liu
2
United States
2026
A man and a woman interacting: “Reconcile”, explores relationship dynamics through a speechless narrative focused on physical human interaction. Using visual metaphors like boxing matches, kitchen fights, and banquet dances, Reconcile examines the changing relationship—from hostility to intimacy—revealing how emotions influence their behaviors. The film uses exaggerated, almost grotesque animation to capture rapid body movements and facial expressions, conveying both conflict and affection. By presenting the complex interpersonal relationships between men and women from the third-person perspective of the children, Reconcile explores the influence of parents' relationships within the family on the children's growth, as well as the children's reactions.
2025 Technical Animator Inter@【LightSpeed Studios】 ●2025 Mocap Inter@【Tencent Games】 ●Director/Producer of Animation Project【Action - Tencent Island Motion Capture Base promotional video】 ●2024 Rookie Awards “Rookie of the Year - 3D Animation” ●3D/Mocap animator in 【Epic Games X RedKulture Metaverse Virtual Concert】 ●3D animator in SCAD Animation Studio Project: 【The Last Dungeon】 Four-month-long 3D Animator Apprentice@【MAKE】 ●3D Animator in Project:【Tall wall】- Best Animation in Apex Film Festival, Unreal Engine Student Showcase... ●【Reconcile】was nominated and screened at film festivals (NewFilmmakers NY, Chesapeake Film Festival...) ●Selected as portfolio review candidate for【Autodesk sharing session around “When to Cut Corners”】 【Skills】: ●Mastered and grinded①3D character Animation, ②Game Animation, ③Motion Capture and kept growing and progressing in UE, BP, Level Design... ●Proficient in (fields) : 3D character Animation, Game Animation, Motion Capture Animation, Metahuman, Facial Animation... ●Proficient in (software) : Maya, UE, MotionBuilder, Shogun Live/Post, Live Link Face, Captury
The Black Cube : Hunting
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Vitali Pikalevsky
5
United Kingdom
2026
In a world scarred by collapse, a father and his son hunt robots in a burned wilderness to survive.
WIRTSHAUS
Διεθνές Διαγωνιστικό ταινιών κινουμένων σχεδίων/ International animatition Competition
Alexandra Baka
3
Greece
2026
Wirtshaus is set in a world inspired by Takis Zenetos' Electronic Urbanism, where citizens live inside capsules and can be anywhere they desire digitally. A wise traveller arrives in this place where commuting has been eliminated, and therefore there is no evidence of life. As he observes this bizarre inn, Das Wirtshaus, a poem by Wilhelm Müller, acts as his internal voice. While the inn rejects him for his remaining time, he decides to continue his journey rather than claim a capsule and be trapped in time.
Alexandra Baka is a Greek visual artist and filmmaker based in Athens, currently studying Audiovisual Arts at the Ionian University. She holds a BA in Interior Design from Vakalo College/University of Derby and a Diploma in Digital Filmmaking from SAE Institute.
Her work moves between space, image, and narrative. She has designed exhibition booths and event scenography for brands and public organizations, and worked as an architectural designer.
Wirtshaus is her first film, combining architectural imagination with animation to explore questions of space, technology, and what remains of human presence within it.
