Etiuda & Anima 2025: Kraków’s International Festival of Animation and Student Films

Since its founding in 1994, the Etiuda & Anima International Film Festival has stood as Poland’s oldest international film event dedicated to bridging the worlds of student filmmaking and professional artistic animation. Taking place annually in Kraków, the festival offers a rare stage where emerging filmmakers meet acclaimed animators, creating a dialogue between generations, techniques, and artistic visions. The 32nd edition of the festival will unfold in October 2025, continuing its legacy as one of the most respected cultural events in Central Europe.

A Festival of Two Pillars: ETIUDA and ANIMA

The festival is uniquely structured around two main competitions:

• ETIUDA Competition – Featuring student etudes and graduate films produced at film and art schools between 2023 and 2025. These works highlight the creativity and experimentation of the next generation of filmmakers.

• ANIMA Competition – Dedicated to animated shorts created by professionals, students, and independent authors from across the globe, showcasing the best of contemporary animation art.

Together, these categories embody the festival’s mission: to celebrate the achievements of students while honoring the mastery of established artists.

Awards That Carry Weight

Etiuda & Anima’s prize structure reflects its dual commitment to student and professional cinema. In the ETIUDA competition, student filmmakers vie for the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Dinosaur Awards, each accompanied by a cash prize. The Jury may also grant Honorary Diplomas and a Special Mention for the best film school.

The festival also highlights special distinctions, including:

• FICC Jury Award (Fédération Internationale des Ciné Clubs)

• Audience Award (chosen by festivalgoers)

• Student Jury Award

• The Great Underestimated Prize (awarded to the most overlooked but deserving film)

Winning films are not only celebrated in Kraków but also presented in the Travelling Etiuda & Anima showcase, which tours Poland and international venues.

Beyond the Screen: Workshops and Live Events

Etiuda & Anima is more than a competition—it’s an interactive hub for cinematic education and creative exploration. Attendees can take part in:

• Workshops in scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and animation, often led by internationally recognized professionals and educators.

• Animators’ Self-Portraits, where masters of the craft create their work live, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes window into the animation process.

• Top Tens, curated sets of exceptional animations selected by critics and experts.

• Special Screenings, including world and Polish premieres of cutting-edge feature-length animated films.

A Global Meeting Place

With submissions arriving from every corner of the world, Etiuda & Anima has cemented its reputation as a premier destination for artists, educators, students, and film lovers alike. In past editions, the festival has welcomed international guests of honor, retrospectives of iconic filmmakers, and vibrant discussions that connect the local Polish film community with global cinema culture.

For 2025, the competition will run on the following timeline:

• Submission window: February 15 – June 15, 2025

• Selection announcements: By August 24, 2025

• Screening copies deadline: September 7, 2025

• Festival and closing ceremony: October 2025, with prizes awarded on October 18, 2025

A Celebration of Film Culture in Kraków

Set against the historic and artistic backdrop of Kraków, Etiuda & Anima has become a cultural landmark not just for Poland but for the international animation and film school community. Its blend of screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities makes it an essential event for anyone passionate about the moving image.

As festival directors Katarzyna Surmacz and Bogusław Zmudziński put it, Etiuda & Anima thrives on “good partnership” and the creation of meaningful connections across borders. With the 32nd edition, the festival promises once again to inspire, challenge, and celebrate the boundless possibilities of animation and student cinema.

For more details and updates, visit the official site: etiudaandanima.pl