Preview FFDD25: Animated-Programmes


Animated 1 & 2: Isabel Herguera & 70 Years of Dresden’s DEFA Studio for Animated Film

Also for 37 FILMFEST DRESDEN, the two programmes in the festival’s Animated section are providing fascinating insights into the diverse forms of expression found in animated short film.

Animated 1 is highlighting the Spanish animation artist and director Isabel Herguera, known for her experimental and poetic works, such as the prize-winning SULTANA’S DREAM (2023). Parallel to her artistic endeavours, she lectures at the KHM Academy of Media Arts Cologne. The films curated by Herguera deal with political and social themes, while accentuating art as a space for freedom. With a perspective on solidarity that is critical of capitalism, she is challenging us to consider alternatives to the financial capitalist system and is issuing a crucial call for empathy with those who urgently need our support.

The second Animated programme is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the DEFA Studio for Animated Film, which was based in Dresden from 1955 to 1992 and was the biggest animation film studio in Germany, as well as being the most modern one in Europe for a while. Over 35 years, about 2,000 films of outstanding artistic and handcrafted quality were produced, characterised by a great love of detail. Many of these works have now become classics that continue to enthuse audiences to the present day. In cooperation with the DIAF German Institute for Animated Film, Filmfest Dresden is screening several of these gems on the silver screens once more and honouring an important chapter in the history of animated film.

Look forward to exciting programmes at the 37 FILMFEST DRESDEN from 8 to 13 April 2025!

Advance ticket sales start on 18 March.

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