Forum highlights animated series challenges

The 14th edition of the CEE Animation Forum will take place in Pilsen, Czechia, from 10 to 12 November, bringing together animation professionals from across Europe for three days of pitching sessions, industry presentations and networking activities.

Competition includes 33 projects

This year’s event will feature 33 projects in competition, with a particular focus on animated series and the challenges facing their production and distribution in Europe. The selected projects are divided into four categories: ten short films, six student short films, ten series and TV specials and seven feature films.

Central and Eastern Europe’s growing role

Around 70% of the projects involve production partners from Central and Eastern Europe, confirming the forum’s role as a meeting point between the region’s animation industry and the wider European market. The selection covers a broad range of audiences, from preschool children to adults, with more than half of the projects aimed at young adult and adult viewers.

New partnership with the Council of Europe

One of the main developments this year is a new partnership with the Council of Europe, which will introduce the Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award. Eight animated series will compete for the prize in a dedicated pitching session, separate from the main competition.

Industry faces financial and creative pressures

The emphasis on this format comes at a time when the European animation sector is facing significant changes. Public broadcasters, traditionally important commissioners of children’s animation, are under increasing financial and political pressure, while the growing production of adult-oriented animation has yet to translate into consistent opportunities within traditional television schedules.

Forum addresses industry challenges

Animated series are the backbone of our industry, and today they are under pressure from two sides, explains Marta Jallageas, Managing Director of CEE Animation Forum. She points to the difficulties facing public broadcasters in Central and Eastern Europe, which could jeopardise the production of new series for younger audiences, as well as the limited space available for adult animation.

Forum promotes collaboration

The forum aims to encourage dialogue between creators, broadcasters and platforms to identify new production and distribution opportunities. A dedicated afternoon of presentations will address European support mechanisms for series co-production, opportunities for independent producers and the development of content for children and young audiences.

Notable speakers and panelists

Among the speakers are Clementine Trolong-Bailly from the Council of Europe, Danish producer Søren Fleng of FLENG Entertainment, Jonas Kryger Hansen, Head of Strategy, Children & Youth at Danish public broadcaster DR, Martina Peštaj of RTV Slovenia, French producer Emmanuèle Pétry-Sirvin of Dandelooo and Jarmo Lampela, Head of Drama at Finland’s Yle.

International jury evaluates projects

The pitching projects will be assessed by international juries bringing together professionals from production, distribution, festivals and the wider animation industry. Participating companies include Magic Fair, Dandelooo, MIAM! Animation, Atom Art, Autour de minuit, Bionaut, Finta Film, Animadocs and Amopix.

Jury includes notable figures

Jury members will also include Ola Staszel, director of DOK Leipzig, Stavros Markoulakis, artistic director of Leiden Shorts, and Ukrainian filmmaker Mykyta Lyskov, whose animated short Deep Love (2019) received international recognition. More than 100,000 euros in awards and professional support will be distributed during the event.

Awards and opportunities available

In addition to the prizes in the four pitching categories and the new Council of Europe award, the programme includes an Audience Award and a CEE Animation Workshop Scholarship. Partner prizes will comprise a Ciclic Residency valued at 35,000 euros, direct access to CARTOON Forum, a TVPaint Animation licence and the Travelling Distribution Award.

Market section showcases new projects

Beyond the competition, the CEE Animation Forum Market will present more than 50 additional projects at different stages of development, production or completion, seeking potential partners. A new matchmaking application will facilitate one-to-one meetings between producers, broadcasters, sales agents and other industry representatives.

Event attracts international professionals

Around 200 professionals are expected to attend the event, including representatives of national film funds, festivals, universities and audiovisual companies. CEE Animation receives financial support from Creative Europe MEDIA. The 2026 forum is co-financed by the governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through the International Visegrad Fund, with additional support from the Council of Europe, national audiovisual institutions and regional partners.