POLISH PROJECTS AT VISEGRAD ANIMATION FORUM

In May, a new edition of the Visegrad Animation Forum is held, dedicated to professionals connected with animated film. This year, as many as four Polish projects will participate in the pitching competition

.As soon as in May to Trebon in the Czech Republic come professionals representing film industry of four Visegrad states: Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, and the forum's programme will abound in lectures, meetings and case study presentations. The participants will have a chance to acquire production partners and to exchange knowledge and experiences concerning the possibility of co-financing their projects.

VAF was established by the Association of Czech Animation Film (ASAF) which represents Czech producers and their studios. This year's edition was organised in co-operation with the associations with Poland (Polish Animation Producers Association), Slovakia (APAF), Slovenia (DSAF) and the Hungarian Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design.

Every year, during Visegrad Animation Forum there are competitions of pitchings of animated series and short films. This year's new feature is the pitching of full-length animated films. Among the presented films, there are Polish productions and co-productions.

Full-length animated films:

"Fatima and the Secret Treasure" dir. Bartek Kik, Damian Nenow.

Film  is an adventure comedy addressed to children. The events at Fatima and the hundredth anniversary of them inspired the author to write the script. From the artistic point of view, "Fatima" is the work of Platige Image in one hundred percent - 200 people from Poland are involved in the production. The film's co-producer is the Portuguese Imaginew.

"Of Unwanted Things and People," dir. David Súkup (the Czech Republic), Ivana Laučíková (Slovakia), Leon Vidmar (Slovenia), Agata Gorządek (Poland)

"Schlemiel, " dir. vacat

Film is a story about courage and friendship in difficult times, when you have to risk your own life to save someone you love. The story starts just before the beginning of the Second World War in Warsaw. A puppy named Schlemiel is the best friend of 10-year-old Joanna. As the war progresses, Schlemiel and Joanna are separated. Since this moment, the dog's sole purpose is to free Joanna. Schlemiel has to grow up and convince other animals to help him implement a brave plan of liberating Joanna. They will have to face many obstacles and learn to cooperate in order to achieve their aim.

Short animated films:

"I Come Undone" dir. Piotr Chmielewski

This year, Visegrad Animation Forum is held from 1st-3rd May in Třeboň during the festival Anifilm.

More information: www.visegradanimation.com