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CEE Animation Forum — the foremost regional platform for pitching, financing, and co-production of European animated works — is returning to Pilsen from November 4–6, 2025. The 13th edition will spotlight the vibrancy of European animation, featuring 29 pitching projects from 15 countries across four categories: 9 short films, 8 student shorts, 6 series, and 6 feature films.

This year’s program presents a mix of projects from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) alongside Western European entries. Approximately 70% of the selected titles originate from the CEE region, led by Czechia (5), Poland (4), and Hungary (3).

The lineup appeals to audiences of all ages — with 12 projects aimed at children, 7 for teens and young adults, and 10 targeting adult viewers. Selections were made from a record 199 submissions, reflecting a 62% rise from 2024 and more than double the previous year’s total. To prepare for the final pitches, the participating teams received mentoring from distinguished experts: pitching coach Sibylle Kurz and producer Karolina Davidova (13ka).

Close to 200 professionals from across the animation industry — including producers, directors, broadcasters, sales representatives, and delegates from film funds, festivals, and universities — are expected to take part.

This year’s jury panels will include a remarkable roster of renowned industry figures: a representative from NRK – Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation; distribution and sales specialists from Mediatoon Distribution (FR), Falcon (CZ), and ShortsFit Distribution (ARG/IT); and experienced producers from XBO Films (FR), Cinnamon Entertainment (BE), and Avec ou sans vous (FR).

Also joining the juries are Caroline Maleville, Programming Manager at Cinémathèque Française and member of the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight selection committee; Shelley Page, Head of Talent at Locksmith Animation (UK); Martina Peštaj, media psychologist (SI); and acclaimed filmmakers Mirjana Balogh ("Wish You Were Ear," Berlinale 2025 Crystal Bear winner) and Réka Bucsi ("Love," European Film Award nominee 2017; "Solar Walk," Grand Prix winner at Ottawa IAF 2018).

The two-day intensive program will include four pitching sessions culminating in an awards ceremony on the evening of November 6, along with Market activities, one-on-one meetings, and networking sessions. A special panel, Building Financing Bridges for European Animation, will introduce the new CODA Codevelopment Award, an initiative by CEE Animation supported by several national film funds, aimed at reinforcing the CEE animation industry.

In addition to the Pitching Competition, this year’s Market will present a broad array of animated titles currently in development, production, or nearing completion, from registered CEEA Forum participants.

Designed as a professional matchmaking platform, the Market seeks to enhance visibility for creators and facilitate in-person collaborations, helping them find potential co-production partners and expand their networks.

“The animation landscape in Europe is evolving rapidly, and Central and Eastern Europe has become a real hub of creativity and talent,” says Marta Jallageas, Managing Director. “Our goal is to encourage connections, elevate studio visibility, and help creators secure the right partnerships to move their projects forward. The CEEA Forum has always been about more than pitching — it’s about building a community.”

The pitching projects will compete for over €50,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, including placements at leading European training programs, markets, and services.

Alongside the CEE Animation Forum Awards in four competition categories, there will also be an Audience Award, a CEEA Workshop Scholarship Award, and six partner recognitions, made possible by the generous collaboration of Ciclic Residency, CARTOON Movie, Forum and Springboard, Young Horizons Industry, TVPaint, Travelling Distribution, and BRATROnice Residency.