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After a week dedicated to animation, the 32nd Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) concluded on Sunday, 11 May. For the first time, the Award Ceremony was held on Saturday evening\u2014a successful change: on Sunday, audiences had the chance to see the winning films again on the big screen. The festival recorded approximately 30,000 visits to cinemas, the Festival Centre, the GameZone and exhibitions, along with around 40,000 visitors at the Open Air\u2014a strong sign of the ITFS\u2019s enduring appeal.<\/strong><\/p>\nThis year, the festival impressively demonstrated its ability to reach both loyal regulars and new audiences. Particularly in cinemas, a noticeable increase in new visitors was recorded\u2014a development driven by fresh thematic programming.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ITFS reached a whole new level this year, both in terms of curatorial highlights and meaningful encounters. From Schlossplatz to the cinemas and the Festival Centre, the ITFS became a place of friendship and exchange\u2014united by a passion for animation. Our conversations with filmmakers and guests from around the world clearly showed just how important this festival is. The overwhelmingly positive feedback confirms that we\u2019re on the right track,\u201d<\/i>\u00a0summarised ITFS managing director Heike Mozer and artistic director Annegret Richter.<\/p>\n
A Home for the Industry<\/strong>
This was reflected in the numbers, too: together with the Animation Production Days (APD), the ITFS welcomed around 550 accredited guests from 23 countries\u2014all experiencing the festival\u2019s distinctive atmosphere. Filmmaker Heinrich Sabl, director of MEMORY HOTEL,\u00a0describes the ITFS as both evolving and enduring:
\u201cThe festival has grown over the past decades, but it has remained a familiar place. It feels like coming home.\u201d<\/i>
What moves him most is the personal exchange:\u00a0\u201cA film is always an invitation to dialogue. And when the audience engages in that exchange, I believe that\u2019s the most important thing about art.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\nAnna Samo, director of THE WILD-TEMPERED CLAVIER and member of the pre-selection jury for the Student Competition, also highlighted the festival\u2019s significance:
\u201cStuttgart brings back so many memories and friendships\u2014old and new alike.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
The Festival Centre at the Haus der Katholischen Kirche became the vibrant heart of the industry\u2014a place to pause, network, and creatively exchange ideas. The programme included talks, Q&As, masterclasses and studio presentations, offering valuable insights for professionals.<\/p>\n
This year, the Festival Centre also opened its doors to the general public with an impressive exhibition of original puppets and film sets from Claude Barras\u2019 stop-motion film SAUVAGES, offering audiences a glimpse behind the scenes and an opportunity to connect with the filmmakers.<\/p>\n
New Venue for the GameZone Established<\/strong>
Short distances to all festival venues remained a hallmark in 2025: the GameZone found a new home in the Stuttgart Staatsgalerie. The venue was very well received, featuring nominees of the Animated Games Award Germany and innovative student projects from regional universities.<\/p>\nHandpicked Films in a Unique Atmosphere<\/strong>
The Open Air at Schlossplatz became a daily meeting point for thousands of visitors. The programme featured family films, curated short film selections and socially relevant works on themes such as peace, freedom and democracy. Two audience favourites were the Oscar-winning FLOW and Claude Barras\u2019 SAUVAGES, accompanied by participatory activities for children and families.<\/p>\nStrong Demand for Educational Programmes<\/strong>
Schools and day care centres responded very positively to the curated film programmes with follow-up workshops\u2014nearly all of which were fully booked. For many children, it was their first chance to experience the festival atmosphere at ITFS.<\/p>\nClosing with a Public Day and Award-Winning Films<\/strong>
Sunday was all about the audience: a highlight was the first-time screening of the ITFS Winners\u2019 Reel, alongside several premieres and curated programmes for various target groups.<\/p>\nThe awards had already been presented on Saturday evening, and the competition screenings had proven immensely popular\u2014most were fully booked in advance. This reflects the strong demand and high esteem in which the ITFS\u2019s thematic diversity and programming quality are held. The emotional depth and artistic sophistication of many works were echoed in audience reactions.<\/p>\n
The juries also expressed their admiration for the outstanding quality and variety of this year\u2019s films.
Tshepo Moche, jury member in the AniMovie feature film competition, remarked:
\u201cThe films were amazing and very diverse. I found it fascinating how different story threads were woven together\u2014a testament to the programming and beautifully done.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
Raimund Krumme, jury member of the International Competition,\u00a0highlights the emotional depth of many works:\u00a0\u201cYou can sense how much personality is embedded in these films. I would also say that I\u2019m still searching.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
The 33rd Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film will take place from 5 to 10 May 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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