The esteemed Rise & Shine program, a vital incubator for emerging animated short film talent, has unveiled its meticulously chosen cohort for the 2026 edition. This announcement precedes the program’s commencement at the prestigious Animafest Zagreb, setting the stage for a significant showcase of new voices in animation.
A Rigorous Selection Process Yields Eleven Promising Projects
From a substantial pool of over 80 applications, eleven outstanding animated short films in development have earned their place in the fifth iteration of Rise & Shine. This competitive selection underscores the program’s growing reputation and its commitment to identifying and nurturing promising young filmmakers. The initiative is a collaborative effort between three leading animation organizations: Animafest Zagreb, the Animateka International Animated Film Festival (IAFF), and CEE Animation.
The Rise & Shine program operates as a comprehensive, three-part developmental and pitching lab. Its immersive journey is designed to guide participants from initial concept to polished presentation. The first phase will unfold in June 2026, coinciding with the World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb in Croatia. This provides participants with an immediate immersion into a vibrant international festival environment. The second stage will transition to an online format in October 2026, allowing for continued mentorship and collaboration regardless of geographical location. The program will then culminate in December 2026 at the Animateka International Animated Film Festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia, offering a final platform for pitches and networking.
Expert Mentorship to Shape the Next Generation of Animators
Participants in the 2026 Rise & Shine cohort will benefit from the guidance of seasoned industry professionals. The program’s commitment to providing top-tier mentorship is evident in its lineup of experts. Scriptwriter Anna Vávrová, affiliated with 13ka, will serve as the pitch coach, a crucial role in refining the participants’ ability to articulate their visions effectively to potential collaborators and investors.
Joining as a script mentor is Pedro Rivero, a respected screenwriter, director, and producer. His expertise will be invaluable in shaping the narrative structures and character development of the selected projects. Complementing Rivero’s guidance will be Academy Award-winning animator and director Chris Lavis. His extensive experience in bringing animated stories to life will offer a unique perspective on visual storytelling and technical execution. This blend of script and directorial mentorship ensures a holistic approach to project development. Beyond formal mentoring, the program also fosters peer-to-peer learning and networking, enabling participants to connect with fellow animators and present their burgeoning projects to a wider international professional audience at both Animafest Zagreb and Animateka.
Record Applications Reflect Program’s Growing Influence
The record number of applications received for the 2026 edition signifies a substantial increase in interest and recognition for the Rise & Shine program. Project managers Saša Bach and Matea Milić expressed their gratitude and excitement regarding this achievement. "For the fifth edition, we received a record number of applications, and we are thankful for this recognition of our programme," they stated. "We are excited about the new generation of Rise & Shiners, who are bringing so many intriguing and personal stories that we hope to see developed with our support." This sentiment highlights the program’s core mission: to empower storytellers with unique visions and provide them with the resources to bring those visions to fruition. The increasing competitiveness of the selection process also suggests a maturing landscape for short animated film development in the CEE region and beyond.
Prestigious Awards and Opportunities Await
The selected projects are not only offered developmental support but also compete for a range of significant awards and opportunities that can significantly impact their future trajectories. These include the Rise & Shine Audience Award, which recognizes the project that resonates most with festival audiences. A particularly impactful award is the CEE Animation Forum Award, which grants direct selection to the CEE Animation Forum in 2027, a crucial platform for co-production and financing.
Furthermore, the Rise & Shine Film Centre of Montenegro Award offers further support and recognition. Crucially, the program also provides opportunities for participants to attend the Short Film Market in Clermont-Ferrand, one of the most important international marketplaces for short films, offering unparalleled networking and distribution potential. These awards underscore Rise & Shine’s role in bridging the gap between emerging talent and the professional animation industry, providing tangible pathways to professional success.
The Eleven Selected Projects for Rise & Shine 2026
The eleven projects chosen for the 2026 Rise & Shine program represent a diverse range of styles, themes, and geographical origins, reflecting the global reach and inclusive nature of the initiative.
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A Walk in Nature – Directed by Matej Mihályi, produced by Jakub Rážlek for Divize, Czechia. This project likely explores themes of environmentalism or the human connection to the natural world, a common and timely subject in contemporary animation. The Czech animation tradition, known for its artistic depth and often surreal qualities, suggests a potentially unique visual approach.
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Belutak – Directed by Maja Četojević, produced by Igor Čurić for Studio Dashak, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The title, "Belutak," which translates to "pebble" in Bosnian, hints at a project that might delve into themes of resilience, memory, or the small, often overlooked elements of life. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s animation scene, while perhaps less established globally than some others, has been steadily growing in prominence, often characterized by strong narrative and emotional depth.
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Cornucopia – Directed by Matei Monoranu, produced by Constantine Benea/Bruno Caetano for Eye/Collapse/COLA Animation, Romania/Portugal. The "cornucopia" symbol often represents abundance and prosperity. This project could explore themes of creation, consumption, or the consequences of plenty. The co-production between Romania and Portugal suggests an interesting cross-cultural collaboration, potentially blending distinct artistic sensibilities.
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Dolphin Kicks – Directed by Iva Tokmakchieva, produced by Vessela Dantcheva for Compote Collective Ltd, Bulgaria. The title evokes imagery of fluidity, playfulness, and perhaps the challenges of navigating unfamiliar waters. Bulgaria has a rich history in animation, particularly in areas like puppet animation and experimental shorts. This project could draw upon that heritage.
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Meat Jelly – Directed by Emilš Maigytš, produced by Marija Lenkutyte Bartosevic for Art Shot, Lithuania. The unusual and evocative title "Meat Jelly" sparks curiosity about its thematic content, which could range from the surreal and grotesque to the metaphorical exploration of organic processes or societal structures. Lithuanian animation is known for its distinct visual styles and often philosophical undertones.
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Melatonin – Directed by Gwenola Heck, produced by Eliza Plocieniak-Alvarez for Blaue Pampelmuse UG, Germany. Melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, suggests themes of dreams, unconsciousness, the passage of time, or the struggle for rest in a demanding world. German animation has a strong tradition of artistic exploration and often tackles complex psychological or societal issues.
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Melt – Directed by Paulina Ziolkowska, produced by Justyna Rucińska for Marmolada Films, Poland. "Melt" could refer to physical melting, emotional thawing, or societal dissolution. Polish animation has a distinguished international reputation, often marked by profound artistic expression and a willingness to engage with challenging subjects. Ziolkowska’s previous work often delves into personal and societal anxieties, suggesting this project may continue that trend.
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Starving Pig – Directed by Laura Martinović, produced by Lucija Mrzljak for Adriatic Animation, Croatia. This title is provocative and could explore themes of desire, greed, insatiability, or societal pressures that lead to a state of perpetual wanting. Croatia, as a host country for Animafest Zagreb, has a vested interest in supporting its national animation talent, and this project could be a strong contender.
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Sun in Retrograde – Directed by Adél Szegedi, produced by Barnabás Tóth-Justh for Boddah, Hungary. "Retrograde" in astronomy refers to the apparent backward motion of celestial bodies, often associated with disruption or challenges. This title suggests a narrative that might deal with setbacks, cyclical patterns, or a re-evaluation of progress. Hungarian animation has a long and celebrated history, particularly in the realm of stop-motion and artistic shorts.
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Truth Be Told it’s Mostly Empty Space! – Directed by Bibi Erjavec, produced by Tina Smrekar for Finta Film, Slovenia. This title is introspective and philosophical, potentially exploring themes of perception, reality, the unknown, or the vastness of existence. Slovenian animation, often characterized by its thoughtful and artistic approach, is well-represented by this intriguing title.
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Volcano – Directed by Adina Oana Enache, Maria Zilli & Sara Priorelli, produced by Florent Guimberteau for Melting Productions, France. A volcano is a powerful symbol of immense energy, potential destruction, and creation. This project could explore themes of passion, transformation, or repressed emotions. French animation is a powerhouse in the industry, known for its technical excellence and diverse artistic outputs. The multi-director aspect of this project suggests a collaborative and potentially complex vision.
Broader Implications for the Animation Landscape
The Rise & Shine program, through its rigorous selection process, expert mentorship, and significant industry connections, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of animated short filmmaking. By focusing on young talents from across Central and Eastern Europe and beyond, it cultivates a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of new stories and artistic approaches. The program’s collaborative structure, involving Animafest Zagreb, Animateka IAFF, and CEE Animation, strengthens the regional animation network and provides a more unified platform for emerging filmmakers.
The emphasis on pitching and professional audience engagement at leading festivals like Animafest and Animateka ensures that these developing projects gain visibility and have a greater chance of securing co-production, distribution, and ultimately, reaching a global audience. The awards, particularly the direct selection to the CEE Animation Forum and attendance at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Market, offer invaluable stepping stones for these filmmakers.
In an era where animated short films are increasingly recognized for their artistic merit and capacity to tackle complex themes, programs like Rise & Shine are indispensable. They not only nurture individual talent but also contribute to the overall growth and innovation within the global animation industry, ensuring a steady stream of fresh perspectives and compelling narratives for years to come. The continued success of Rise & Shine is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedicated support for emerging artists.
