Open Russian Festival of Animated Cinema Announced Its Competition Program for XXIX edition

The 29th edition of the Open Russian Festival of Animated Film, set to take place in Suzdal, Russia, has officially unveiled its competition lineup. Organized by Master-Film and the Vladimir Oblast Administration with support from the Russian Federation's Ministry of Culture, the festival emphasizes the theme of education within the animation sector. This year's event features an expanded Campus platform dedicated to the self-presentation of Russian animation schools.

The selection committee, comprised of Tatyana Belova, Alexey Demin, Sergey Kapkov, Sofia Kravtsova, Marina Kurchevskaya, and Mikhail Tumelya, has chosen a diverse array of animated works that span student films, debut films, author's short films, series, and full-length features, reflecting the richness of Russian animation. These films will be showcased to festival guests, participants, jury members, and online audiences, celebrating the creativity and innovation of the animation community.

Student Films include a wide range of themes and storytelling techniques, from "Aquarium" by Darya Moskvina to "The Beast's Skin" by Vsevolod Andryushchenko. These films represent various Russian and Belarusian institutions, showcasing the emerging talent from these schools.

Debut Films mark the entrance of new voices into the animation scene, with titles like "Big" by Anastasia Chikerlan and "Blossomed Winter" by Alexander Brun'kovsky, offering fresh perspectives and creative explorations.

Author's Short Films feature works by established animators, including "178" by Alexey Alexeev and "The Chase for Splashes" by Alina Khabarova, demonstrating the diversity and maturity of Russian animation storytelling.

Series entries, such as "Aquapark" from the series "Chick-Chirikino" by Anton Lanshakov and "The Great Hike" from the series "The Great Hike" by Denis Sopigin, highlight the growing popularity and quality of animated series in Russia.

Full-Length Films showcase the ambition and scale of Russian animation with titles like "Almandar" by Sergey Kiatrov and "Yaga and the Spell Book" by Vladimir Sakov, promising to captivate audiences with their storytelling and visual artistry.

Applied Animation explores the commercial side of the craft with entries like "Atomic Heart — STUZHA" by Ilya Buzinov and "Alumult" by Alexander Veselov, demonstrating how animation can be effectively used in advertising and other applied contexts.

The festival not only provides a platform for showcasing the best of Russian animation but also supports participants with travel, accommodation, and meals, ensuring a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences. Through its focus on education, the Open Russian Festival of Animated Film aims to foster the next generation of animators, offering insights into the processes and institutions that shape this dynamic art form.