The Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart are growing: we’re delighted to welcome PSYOP as a new member!
The studio Psyop has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Mexico City. The first European office opened in Stuttgart in 2021, when longtime Creative Director & VFX Supervisor Matthias Bäuerle moved back from New York City. Psyop’s fully cloud-based pipeline connects teams across the world – giving artists the freedom to create and collaborate everywhere.
From May 5 to 10, 2026, this year’s Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) will present the diversity of animation art in the Stuttgart city centre with films, workshops, talks and exhibitions. With the first short films announced in the competitions and confirmed international guests, the festival program is taking shape.
ITFS Open Air, Photo: Max Kullmann
From around 2,000 film submissions from all over the world, the four pre-selection juries have chosen a total of 104 animated short films for the ITFS International Competition, ITFS Student Competition, ITFS Tricks for Kids Competition and ITFS Trickstar Nature Award. All films have the chance to win the coveted prizes, which will be awarded on Saturday, 9 May and Sunday, 10 May. An overview of all films and dates can be found in the calendar at https://itfs.de/en/programme/calendar/. The final festival program will be published there in mid-March.
For this year’s focus on silhouette film, the ITFS welcomes award-winning animation filmmakers Michel Ocelot from France and Jörg Herrmann from Germany, among others, who will both hold Master Classes. With the Netherlands and Kenya, the ITFS is also focusing on several countries in different formats this year. In an In Persona presentation, Dutch director and animator Hisko Hulsing will reflect on the defining moments of his career. Director and screenwriter Voline Ogutu will also present Kenyan animated film projects in various formats. A new program at the festival is dedicated to adult animation in German series.
Accreditations for film industry representatives and students are available at a reduced early bird rate until March 22, 2026. In addition to all film programmes, Accreditation allows participation in industry-relevant workshops, talks and Master Classes. For professionals and students planning to attend both ITFS and FMX – Film & Media Exchange, the ITFS + FMX Combi Pass is recommended (Early Bird Discount until March 20). Accreditations and tickets are available at https://itfs.de/en/tickets/.
The 2D computer-animated trailer “KEY” was developed exclusively for the festival by students of the Animationsinstitut at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. At the centre of the trailer is a curious character standing before a mysterious door. What follows is a journey into a world of colour, music and unexpected encounters. KEY symbolises the diversity and creativity of the international animation scene, which will take centre stage at the ITFS. More information about the trailer and its production process can be found at: itfstrailer.de
Professorship in Computer Animation at Hochschule der Medien
At Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart, Faculty of Electronic Media, in the Audiovisuelle Medien degree program, the following position is to be filled:
Professorship in Computer Animation (starting in the winter semester 2026/2027, W2 salary level)
The professorship is situated in the field of computer animation and comprises teaching and research activities in the following areas:
Animation and rendering
Character animation and rigging
Physics-based and procedural animation
Real-time animation and simulation for VR/AR, games, and interactive media
AI methods in animation and CGI
Procedural world generation
In these areas, you will shape the curriculum in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, supervise project, studio, and final theses, and integrate current research and development findings as well as your professional experience into your teaching. You will also initiate and conduct applied research and development projects, including the acquisition of third-party funding, and expand collaborations with partners from industry, research institutions, and international universities. In addition, you will contribute to the continuous development of the Audiovisuelle Medien degree program and take on responsibilities in university committees and projects.
On February 11, 2026, the Vertretung des Landes Baden-Württemberg beim Bund – represented by the host at the Landesvertretung and State Secretary Rudi Hoogvliet – in cooperation with the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS) and FMX – Film & Media Exchange, invited to the Berlinale Warm-Up.
The panel guests Arne Braun, State Secretary at the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst des Landes Baden-Württemberg, Carl Bergengruen, Managing Dirctor of the Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (MFG), Stefanie Larson, Manager of the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS), Gerd Nefzer, special effects artist and multiple Academy Award winner, and Wiebke Wiesner, Deputy Managing Director of the Produktionsallianz, addressed – moderated by Dr. Andreas Bareiß, Director of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg – the question of “Zurück in die Zukunft: Wohin steuert Deutschlands führender Animations- und VFX-Standort?” (“Back to the Future: Where Is Germany’s Leading Animation and VFX Hub Heading?”).
The focus was on the investment package of the Bundesregierung, which strengthens the German film industry with €250 million annually, as well as the new Film Funding Act (FFG), which combines public funding with investment obligations for streaming services. The panelists largely agreed that reducing bureaucracy is a key factor in remaining internationally competitive.
Andreas Bareiss, Wiebke Wiesner, Gerd Nefzer, Arne Braun, Stefanie Larson, Carl Bergengruen, (c) Landesvertretung Baden-Württemberg
Andreas Bareiss, Arne Braun, Stefanie Larson, (c) Landesvertretung Baden-Württemberg
Wiebke Wiesner, Gerd Nefzer, Carl Bergengruen, (c) Landesvertretung Baden-Württemberg
Recur by Kaleidoscube, (c) Landesvertretung Baden-Württemberg
(c) Landesvertretung Baden-Württemberg
January 30, 2026
Pre-Berlinale Panel Discussion – Animation & VFX in Baden-Württemberg
Invitation to the Pre-Berlinale panel discussion on Animation & VFX in Baden-Württemberg, taking place on Wednesday, February11, 2026 on the eve of this year’s Berlinale (February 12 to 22, 2026), at the Vertretung des Landes Baden-Württemberg beim Bund
Over the past years, Baden-Württemberg has developed into one of Europe’s leading hubs for animation and visual effects. International successes, renowned studios, and excellent training and educational institutions have turned the region into a hotspot of creative innovation.
Under the theme “Zurück in die Zukunft: Wohin steuert Deutschlands führender Animations- und VFX-Standort?” (“Back to the Future: Where Is Germany’s Leading Animation and VFX Hub Heading?”), the discussion will focus on key questions shaping the future of the industry: How can Baden-Württemberg maintain its leading position? What conditions are needed to foster an innovative, resilient, and internationally competitive sector? And what role do politics, education, networks, and funding structures play in this context?
On the eve of the Berlinale, these questions will be addressed by the panel guests Arne Braun, State Secretary at the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst des Landes Baden-Württemberg, Carl Bergengruen, Managing Dirctor of the Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (MFG), Stefanie Larson, Manager of the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS), Gerd Nefzer, special effects artist and multiple Academy Award winner, and Wiebke Wiesner, Deputy Managing Director of the Produktionsallianz.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Andreas Bareiß, Director of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 18:00 to 21:30 CET Venue: Vertretung des Landes Baden-Württemberg beim Bund, Tiergartenstraße 15 in 10785 Berlin Organized byAnimation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS) and FMX – Film & Media Exchange
The winners of the Baden-Württemberg Film Awards2025 were announced last week. The awards of the 31. Filmschau Baden-Württemberg were presented during a festive ceremony at the Kulturlounge Dürnitz in the Altes Schloss in Stuttgart. AMCRS members were also honored.
All winners Filmschau BW 2025 (Photo: Filmschau BW)
Award Ceremony Filmschau BW 2025 (Photo: MFG)
Oscar Jacobson, a graduate of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut, was awarded the Baden-Württemberg Film Award in the Animation Film category for “Undying Pain of Existence.”
Statement Jury Animation Film(Nina Prange (Creative Producer), Regina Welker (Animation Director), and Sveta Yuferova (Animation Director)): “The films nominated this year demonstrate a remarkable diversity of visual signatures, techniques, and narrative approaches. Alongside student works, there are independent productions whose production conditions could hardly be more different. The winning film impresses with its visual language, through which the direction translates self-control and the subsequent loss of control into powerful images.”
The Baden-Württemberg Film Award in the VFX Studioscategory goes to artists Peter Lames(a graduate of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut), Apollonia Hartmann, and David Anastacio of Accenture Song Content Germanyin Stuttgart for “Dune – Prophecy” by Anna Foerster. The team had received Line Producer funding from the MFG.
Statement Jury VFX Studios (Jan Adamczyk (Professor at Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart), Johanna Manz (VFX Producer), and Julia Smola (VFX Producer / HoP BigHugFX)): “What stood out to us about “Dune”, in addition to the first-class quality of the visual effects, was above all the immense complexity, the elaborate development of the look, and the precise design. The visual effects integrate seamlessly into the demanding, iconic look of the “Dune” universe and enhance its visual power in an impressive way. For us, one thing is clear: something truly unique and extraordinary has been created here. The complex asset posed an enormous challenge -and it was mastered in a remarkable manner. We warmly congratulate Accenture Song on this outstanding project and on the well-deserved award.”
For “Habt ihr den gesehen” by Anton Kleinert, the artists David Schubert, Lia Bauer, and Katrin Wohnhas (all from Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart) received the Baden-Württemberg Film Award in the VFX Studentscategory.
Statement Jury VFX Students (Heiko Burkardsmaier (VFX Executive Producer, Head of Business + Legal Affairs, Accenture Song VFX), Johanna Manz (VFX Producer), and Julia Smola (VFX Producer / HoP BigHugFX)): “This project demonstrates in an outstanding way that the use of visual effects has been truly understood. The effects support the story being told in a subtle and effective manner without drawing attention to themselves, and they blend seamlessly into the scenery. In terms of quality, the VFX work is executed so excellently that even experienced professionals would hardly have noticed in some places what had been added without the breakdown – and that is exactly how it should be. At the same time, it is clear that the effort was not reduced to a minimum, but realized with great commitment and genuine passion. The attention to detail and the many creative ideas make the image come alive, atmospheric, and visually engaging.”
The Undying Pain of Existence (Credits: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg)
Habt ihr den gesehen (Credits: Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart)
November 14, 2025
“We want Animation from Stuttgart!”
On November 12, 2025, in its tenth session, the Ausschuss für Kultur und Medien (Committee on Cultural and Media Affairs) of the German Bundestag addressed the topic “Film Location Germany: Film Funding, Cinema Support, and Film Heritage” (“Filmstandort Deutschland: Filmförderung, Kinoförderung, Filmerbe“) in a public expert discussion. The session took place at the Paul-Löbe-Haus in Berlin and was broadcast live on the parliamentary TV channel at www.bundestag.de. The discussion focused on the question of a legal investment obligation.
Among the speakers were, among others, Dr. Christian Bräuer (AG Kino ‒ Gilde deutscher Filmkunsttheater), Michelle Müntefering (Allianz Deutscher Produzentinnen und Produzenten ‒ Film, Fernsehen und Audiovisuelle Medien (Produktionsallianz)), Prof. Dr. Jens-Ole Schröder (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (ARD) und Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), Dr. Wolf Osthaus (Bitkom ‒ Bundesverband Informationswirtschaft, Telekommunikation und neue Medien), Carolin Lindenmaier (HDF KINO ‒ Hauptverband Deutscher Filmtheater), Peter Schauerte (SPIO ‒ Spitzenorganisation der Filmwirtschaft), Daniela Beaujean (VAUNET ‒ Verband Privater Medien), Matthias von Fintel (ver.di ‒ Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft), Peter Dinges (Filmförderungsanstalt (FFA) and for the Federal Government, Minister of State Dr. Wolfram Weimer (Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media).
Michelle Müntefering (Allianz Deutscher Produzentinnen und Produzenten ‒ Film, Fernsehen und Audiovisuelle Medien (Produktionsallianz):“Our film industry is shaped by small, medium-sized, and independent companies – and these companies are world-class. They have world-class potential. But the framework conditions we have in Germany are not. We have the opportunity for production companies, as a growth sector, to become global players. And, by the way, we work with people and for people. A legal investment obligation with retained rights strengthens precisely this structure. It reinforces the structure of independent and medium-sized companies. Voluntary declarations of intent tend to fuel the trend toward market concentration. As a result, our German companies risk becoming extended workbenches for foreign clients. All federal states also benefit from a legal obligation. We don’t want a production hub where German companies function merely as a workbench, we want films from Munich. We want major cinema from Babelsberg, entertainment from Cologne, animation from Stuttgart, documentaries from East to West. And a law can provide the framework for that.” (Translation, German version)
The session can be watched online at: https://dbtg.tv/cvid/7643792 (Michelle Müntefering starting at min. 32:35)
The TechTalks Stuttgart present technical topics from the fields of visual effects (VFX) and animation for scientists, creative professionals, students and the interested public. After the keynote speeches, people can spontaneously take to the microphone on their own behalf. The next event will take place on November 3, 2025 at 18:00 CET at Das Gutbrod, Friedrichstr. 10, 70174 Stuttgart.
Admission is free! Please register in advance at contact@amcrs.de. Please note: The event is not hybrid, but will be recorded and available at YouTube afterwards.
Program Schedule:
“Node-basiertes 2.5D Rendering“ | Michael Weigl, Student Technical Directing at Animationsinstitut Michael Weigl presents a stylized rendering framework that was developed as part of a research project and several animation productions. The prototype of this framework was implemented as a node-based toolset within Blender’s “Geometry Nodes.” The goal is to enable new, complex visual styles – both graphic and painterly – in open-source software. The framework includes, among other things, lighting nodes, algorithms for vectorization, tracking functions, as well as a novel 2.5D layer management logic that allows abstract image operations directly within the rendering process. Together with the native functions of Blender’s “Grease Pencil” engine, this enables innovative workflows that combine 2D and 3D within a single context, thus making it possible to intuitively integrate painterly techniques into a 3D production.
“Hybrid Cloud Rendering“ | Holger Schönberger, Royal Render We will explore how the combination of local infrastructure and the flexibility of the cloud can change your rendering workflows. From accelerating production to scaling resources according to demand, hybrid cloud solutions offer the best of both worlds: efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness. Let us embark on this journey together and discover how you can overcome your creative challenges faster and more intelligently.
The series LENA’S FARM, created by our CREATORS from Studio Film Bilder, has won the renowned Japan Prize in the Pre-Schoolcategory. Director Elena Walf will accept the award on November 20, 2025, in Tokyo.
LENA’S FARM is aimed at young children and their families, portraying the colorful life on a farm. With empathy and humor, Elena Walf transforms the relationships among the farm’s animal residents into poetic stories and lovingly drawn images. Animated in classic hand-drawn style, each film bears the author’s distinctive touch down to the finest detail, and every one of the 26 episodes (each 5 minutes and 40 seconds long) also works as a self-contained short film.
Produced by Studio Film Bilder in co-production with ZDF and Minya Film (Zagreb), the series received funding from MFG Baden-Württemberg, Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and Creative Europe MEDIA.
Within just a few months of its release, LENA’S FARM has already won 17 awards, including at Cartoons on the Bay and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The series was broadcast on KiKA and has so far been sold to twelve international broadcasters and streaming platforms, including Disney Europe. The world sales company Meta Media (London) believes that the highly regarded Japan Prize will help LENA’S FARM win the hearts of even more children around the world.
Source: Studio Film Bilder
August 29, 2025
Diploma film A SPARROW’S SONG wins Student Academy Award 2025!
Press Release Animationsinstitut, Ludwigsburg, August 28, 2025
The Student Academy Award in the Animation category goes to “A SPARROW’S SONG” – a diploma project by director and producer Tobias Eckerlin, which was created at the Animationsinstitutof the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. From over 3,000 submissions from 988 universities worldwide, 14 winners were selected for the 52nd Student Academy Awards. For the eighth time, the most coveted international prize among film schools goes to Ludwigsburg
A Sparrow’s Song, Credits: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
A Sparrow’s Song, Team (from left to right): Elias Weber, Tobias Eckerlin, Vincent Maurer & Lilli-Luisa Heckmann, FABW
A Sparrow’s Song, Credits: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
This is a great honour for the team: “We feel truly overwhelmed and are incredibly happy about the Student Oscar,” says Tobias Eckerlin. “This is one of the greatest accolades you could wish for!” Alongside Eckerlin, Vincent Maurer (Technical Director), Elias Weber (Lead Character Artist), Lilli-Luisa Heckmann und Jiro Magracia (Lead Animators), Rebecca Liebelt (Groom Artist), and many others contributed to the project. “Thank you to the Academy and the entire team behind A SPARROW’S SONG!”
“A SPARROW’S SONG” is a 3D animated film inspired by a true story. It deals with the story of an elderly widow who rediscovers her joy in life during World War II through an unexpected connection with an injured sparrow. Eckerlin’s work is a moving homage to the human ability to find hope even during difficult times.
Arne Braun. State Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg:“What a celebration not only for the new Student Academy Award winner Tobias Eckerlin and the entire team at the Filmakademie, but even for the entire film-LÄND Baden-Württemberg. Time and again, numerous great films are produced at the Filmakademie. It is only right that they celebrate outstanding successes around the world, like they are today. We can all be very proud of this. Congratulations!”
Dr. Andreas Bareiß, Managing Director of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, adds enthusiastically: “What a phenomenal success! Not only for Tobias and his team but also the entire Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. This is the eighth Student Academy Award going to Ludwigsburg. This further strengthens our top position among the world’s leading film schools – which is reflected not only, but also in the number of Academy Awards. I am absolutely delighted!”
Dr. Jan Pinkava, Director of the Animationsinstitut, is equally proud of his graduates’ success: “Congratulations to Tobi and the “Sparrow’s Song” team! To receive an Academy Award is a great honour and I am delighted for the team, the Animationsinstitut and the entire Filmakademie. Great to see such recognition for our talented students, and for the quality of our school. Good luck in New York!”
The Student Academy Award, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is considered the film industry’s most important award for student projects. The Student Academy Awards are presented in four categories: Alternative/Experimental, Animation, Documentary and Narrative. The three best films in each category receive a gold, silver or bronze award.
Tobias Eckerlin, along with other Student Academy Awards winners, will participate in a programme in New York that includes museum visits, a dinner with Academy members and a wide variety of coaching opportunities and will last several days. The programme will culminate in the awards ceremony on Monday, October 6, at the New York Film Festival. There, the team will find out whether they will receive the so-called “Student Oscar” in gold, silver or bronze. In addition, all Student Academy Award-winning films are eligible for the regular Oscars.
Source: Press Release Animationsinstitut | More about the Student Academy Awards 2025 here | More about the project and the other Animationsinsitut nominees here for even more information about the project and our other nominees
