Anirama 2025: Czech Student Animators Pitch New Worlds at Prague Film Fest

As part of this year’s Prague Film Fest, the industry event Anirama: Pitching of Czech Student Animated Films in Development offered a rare and intimate look into the creative processes of emerging animators from Czech film schools.

Held in a focused, workshop-like setting, Anirama brought together selected student filmmakers and a panel of acclaimed animation professionals from across Europe. Each participant was given the opportunity to present their animated short in development—whether through storyboards, animatics, or conceptual sketches—and receive constructive feedback from voices that shape the current landscape of European animation.

The panel featured:

*Izabela Plucińska, Silver Bear laureate at Berlinale and internationally recognized animation artist;

*Réka Bucsi, known for her distinct visual language and films selected at Berlinale, Annecy, and Clermont-Ferrand;

*Alexandra Hroncová, sales agent at Cinefila with experience in international distribution of animated films;

*Maximilian Breckwoldt, representative of the Berlin Animation Hub and advocate for cross-border animation collaboration.

The goal of Anirama was not to showcase finished works, but to support projects at their most formative stage—when ideas are still flexible, structures are being questioned, and feedback has the power to influence direction. This atmosphere of openness allowed for dynamic discussion and real-time insight into how stories are shaped before they meet an audience.

The event highlighted the depth and ambition of the current generation of Czech animators—students whose work already reflects a clear artistic voice and awareness of the international animation dialogue. It also emphasized the importance of mentorship and professional guidance as part of the educational process.

As Prague continues to strengthen its position on the European animation map, platforms like Anirama are essential. They not only nurture emerging talent but also foster international exchange and help bridge the gap between student work and industry expectations.

We thank all participating filmmakers, guests, and jury members for contributing to a meaningful evening dedicated to animation in progress.