The Anča civic association has opened the call for entries for the 20th Fest Anča International Animation Festival. The milestone edition of the Slovak festival will present animated short films and music videos from around the world.
The competition is open to animators of any age, both professionals and students. Only animated short films and music videos completed after 1st January 2025 are accepted. All works must be original and created by humans.
A total of €6,000 will be awarded across five Anča Awards. The winners of Best Animated Short and Best Slovak Animated Short will each receive €1,500, while Best Student Animated Short, Best Animated Music Video and Best Animated Short for Children carry €1,000 each.
Fest Anča is the first film festival in Slovakia to hold the status of Academy Awards® Qualifying Festival. Short films awarded the Anča Award in the Best Animated Short and Best Slovak Animated Short categories can therefore compete in the short film category at the upcoming Oscars®.
Films compete in five categories:
- Best Animated Short
- Best Student Animated Short
- Best Animated Music Video
- Best Animated Short for Children
- Best Slovak Animated Short
Only works with the majority participation of a Slovak producer or a Slovak filmmaker may be entered in the Slovak competition. Submissions with a majority Slovak contribution may also be assessed automatically during pre-selection and included in that category.
Works created with artificial intelligence are accepted, provided the artist’s direct creative contribution remains evident. Films selected for the programme must be supplied with English subtitles unless the original version is in English, and screening copies become part of the festival’s archive.
The 20th edition will take place in Žilina from 29th June – 4th July 2027. Alongside the competitions, the non-competitive programme includes focuses, workshops, retrospectives, tributes, exhibitions and discussions.
Three international juries will decide the Anča Awards, with the Best Animated Short for Children winner selected by the children attending the screenings. Juries may also award special mentions, and results are announced at the final ceremony.
Please check the official website for further information.
20th Fest Anča International Animation Festival 2027 – Entry Fees
- Early Bird (30th November 2026): free submission
- Regular (1st–31st December 2026): €5 per film
- Late Entry(1st–31st January 2027): €10 per film