Anima 2025 in Belgium Announces Official Short Film Selection
Anima 2025, Belgium's premier animation festival, has unveiled the official short film selection for its 44th edition. Taking place from February 28 to March 9, 2025, the festival will be held across Flagey, Marni, and Cinematek venues in Brussels. Out of over 1,700 submissions, the selection committee has finalized 173 films, promising a rich blend of emotions and perspectives through contemporary animation.
The international competition will feature 85 films from 30 countries, including 19 European nations. Highlights include "Maybe Elephants" by Oscar-winning director Torill Kove, "Percebes" by Alexandra Ramires and Laura Gonçalves, and the poignant student film "Adiós" by José Prats.
Belgium's animation scene is also well represented, with 31 films selected out of 115 submissions. The national competition will showcase 25 entries, such as Anne Verbeure's "De Gouden Ezel" and Nicolas Piret's "Silent Panorama." Belgian animation schools contribute 11 films, including "Pubert Jimbob" by Quirijn Dees and Félice Ronzon's visually striking "Esca."
Anima 2025 has curated themed programs to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Among them are "Masters of Animation," featuring "Luna Rossa" by Priit and Olga Pärn and "Le Tableau" by Michèle Lemieux, created entirely using the pinscreen technique. Other programs include "Real-Life Stories" for animated documentaries, "Watch & Dance" for music-focused films, and returning favorites "Queer Stories" and "Women’s Perspective."
The international short film jury includes Bulgarian producer and animator Vessela Dantcheva, Sébastien Sperer, former programmer for Annecy, and Brussels-based director Levi Stoops. Meanwhile, the national jury features Jacques Kermabon, editor of Blink Blank, filmmaker Noémie Marsily, and Matilda Tavelli, founder of the Animatou festival in Geneva.
Tickets for Anima 2025 are now available, with festival passes granting access to all screenings for €75. The complete festival program will be revealed on February 4, 2025.