The annual Anifilm Festival, a premier event for animated films, is set to kick off this Tuesday in Liberec, a picturesque town in northern Bohemia. Over six days, the festival will offer a rich program of screenings, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops, all spread across multiple venues in the town. To learn more about this year’s highlights, I spoke with Radek Hosenseidl, the festival’s program coordinator, who shared insights into the festival’s theme and notable features.
This Year’s Theme: Science Fiction in Animation
When asked about the theme of this year’s festival, Hosenseidl explained that the choice to focus on science fiction in animation was years in the making. “We’ve been thinking about focusing on sci-fi for several years now because we’ve always believed that animation is an ideal medium for science fiction,” he said. “Animation is borderless—there are no limits to what you can create—so it’s perfect for exploring the worlds of sci-fi.”
Hosenseidl added that the timing was right for showcasing science fiction classics that have been remastered and restored. “We’re very excited to finally be able to present these films as part of this year’s program,” he said.
Notable Films at the Festival
The festival will feature a variety of classic science fiction films, with some being screened out of competition. Among these are three films by the French director René Laloux: Fantastic Planet, a French-Czechoslovak co-production, as well as Light Years and Time Masters. These films are considered landmarks in animated sci-fi and have garnered a loyal following over the years.
In addition, the festival will screen iconic Japanese works such as Ghost in the Shell (1995), a groundbreaking cyberpunk film, and Paprika, a visually stunning, mind-bending film by Satoshi Kon.
Feature Film Competition
The feature film competition is divided into two sections: one for adult audiences and one for children’s films.
In the adult category, one standout is Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, a surreal film by the renowned Quay brothers, based on the novel by Bruno Schulz. It’s expected to be a captivating experience for fans of surrealism. Also featured is Memoir of a Snail, a new work by Australian filmmaker Adam Elliott, known for his unique, bittersweet humor.
In the children’s competition, the Czech animated film Living Large, directed by Kristina Dufková, will be showcased alongside the Oscar-winning film Flow, which promises to be another highlight for younger audiences.
Guest Highlights
While the festival will miss the in-person presence of the Quay brothers, several other notable guests are lined up. “We have some fantastic guests, such as Tomek Popakul, a Polish director known for his innovative short films,” Hosenseidl said. “Also joining us is Thomas Renoldner, an Austrian artist whose abstract animations bring both a distinctive voice and a great sense of humor to his work.” Renoldner’s masterclass and screenings are expected to be a major draw.
Diana Cam Van Nguyen, a Czech-Vietnamese filmmaker whose works explore the experience of growing up in the Czech Republic with Vietnamese roots, will also be in attendance. Her unique perspective will be a fascinating addition to the festival’s lineup.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Vratislav Hlavatý
The festival will also honor Vratislav Hlavatý, a legendary figure in Czech animation and graphic design, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. “Hlavatý is one of the most important figures in Czech animation,” Hosenseidl explained. “His innovative work in both animation and graphic design has had a profound impact on the industry, and this award is a recognition of his extraordinary contributions.”
The Anifilm Festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of animated cinema, offering a diverse mix of classic films, contemporary works, and guest speakers, all with a special focus on the limitless possibilities of science fiction in animation.
