The Focus: Animation competition is dedicated to short animated films, regardless of the technique used. This form of cinema offers filmmakers unlimited possibilities for expression and allows stories to be told in completely unexpected ways.

Martyr’s Guidebook, dir. Maksymilian Rzontkowski (Poland) 2023, 9’, 16+
Tony always puts others first. He lives with a giant angel, who influences his extraordinary kindness. When Tony’s selflessness produces an unexpected outcome, he must learn to balance altruism with taking care of himself.
Film awarded at e.g. Etiuda&Anima IFF and Spektrum FF.

Radix, dir. Anne Breymann (Germany) 2025, 4’, 13+
Two creatures meet on a tree. As they remove their masks, their encounter goes deep down to the roots and beyond.
Film presented at e.g. Annecy IAFF and Palm Springs ISFF.

There Will Be No Other End, dir. Piotr Milczarek (Poland) 2024, 8’, 13+
Five chapters of satire about society, its behaviors, and its flaws.
Film awarded at KFF.

Ploo, dir. Jon Frickey (Germany) 2025, 15’, 13+
A film that blends attributes of vector graphics and screen display technology with the human condition.
Film presented at e.g. DOK Leipzig. Polish premiere.

Stone of Destiny, dir. Julie Černá (Czech Republic) 2025, 10’, 13+
Overwhelmed by the monotony of its life, a stone sets out in search of a new home
Film presented at e.g. Berlinale.

Kafka. In Love, dir. Zane Oborenko (Czech Republic, Latvia) 2024, 10’, 16+
A film inspired by Franz Kafka’s letters to Milena Jesenská. Despite obstacles, Franz and Milena maintain a correspondence. Although Kafka harbors fear and darkness within him, love fills his life with light and hope.
Film presented at e.g. at Tallin Black Nights FF. Polish premiere.

Joko, dir. Izabela Plucińska (Poland) 2024, 15’, 16+
A film based on the prose of Roland Topor. Joko supports his entire family from his tanker job. On the second anniversary of his employment, Joko and his coworkers are surprised by the arrival of unspecified foreign delegates who demand to be carried by them on their backs. At first, he resists these humiliating practices, but under peerl pressure and the desire to earn money, he eventually gives in.
Grand Prix of Animator IAFF and Etiuda&Anima IFF.

Detlev, dir. Ferdinand Ehrhardt (Germany) 2024, 13’, 15+
A constantly cold man in his forties buys a microwave-heated Toast Hawaii at a gas station every evening. This routine allows him to feel warm for a moment. One night, Detlev is noticed by a stranger, and his orderly world begins to fall apart.
Film awarded at Calgary IFF and StopTrik IFF.