For one week, Stuttgart was immersed in animation fever as ITFS invited both the national and international industry as well as a broad regional audience to discover and experience the very best of animation on screen across around 150 events. The Award Ceremony took place on Saturday evening, May 9, 2026, at Gloria 1. Six film awards and one project award were presented across the various competition categories.
The ITFS International Competition Grand Prix, endowed with € 10,000, went to the short film WITH TAPES AND TOASTS IN THE CAR by Stuttgart-based filmmaker Kiana Naghshineh, a graduate of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut. The award automatically qualifies the film for the Academy Awards. The French-German co-production also impressed audiences and additionally received the Audience Award, sponsored by SWR. The graduation film SENSUAL by Tanja Nuijten, a graduate of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut, recieved a Special Mention at the Lotte Reiniger Promotion Award.
WITH TAPES AND TOASTS IN THE CAR, Kiana Nagshineh
Kiana Nagshineh receives the Trixie statue, photo: ITFS, Reiner Pfisterer
Kiana Nagshineh, photo: ITFS, Reiner Pfisterer
SENSUAL, Tanja Nuijten, FABW
ITFS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Grand Prix (Animation Award of the State of Baden-Württemberg and the City of Stuttgart in the amount of 10,000 euros) and Audience Award (Award for the Best Animated Film voted by the Audience in the amount of 6,000 euros, sponsored by SWR):
WITH TAPES AND TOASTS IN THE CAR (IM AUTO TAPES UND BUTTERBROT) Germany, France 2025 Director: Kiana Naghshineh | Production: Laïdak Films, ManicMonday | Producers: Antoine Liétout, Henrik von Müller, Ivan Zuber, Kiana Naghshineh | World Sales: Miyu Distribution
Jury: Hisko Hulsing, Melanie Beisswenger, Vera Neubauer
Special Mention at the Lotte Reiniger Promotion Award (Award for the Best Animated Graduation Film in the amount of 10,000 euros, sponsored by MFG Film Funding Baden-Württemberg)
Earlier in the festival, on Thursday evening, the German Animation Screenplay Awards and the Trickstar Business Award were presented during the AniX Awards ceremony at the Festival Centre. The festival’s final award was presented on Sunday afternoon on the Open Air stage: the Kids’ Jury honoured the best lm in the ITFS Tricks for Kids Competition in front of an eagerly awaiting audience.
Save the Date: The 34th Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film will take place from 27 April to 2 May 2027.https://itfs.de/
May 9, 2026
Our Creators @ ITFS on Sunday, May 10, 2026!
The final day of the STUTTGART ANIMATED WEEK 2026 is here – after a week full of events and inspiration, amazing encounters with old and new friends, tons of input on the latest developments in art, technology, and research, hopefully lots of new project ideas and collaborations – and, of course, a celebration of films, games, and all kinds of media projects and experiences! We hope you made it this far and had an incredible time!
Here’s where you can find out how our CREATORS are involved with ITFS on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
By the way: Accredited FMX attendees can watch selected program sessions on demand from May 9 to June 9, 2026 via FMX on Demand: https://fmx.de/en/on-demand. Accredited ITFS industry visitors can, upon request, view the submitted animated films in the Animated Video Market: https://itfs.de/en/practical-info/animated-video-market/.
Extra tip: the German theatrical premiere of “The Light of Aisha” (“Aisha und das verlorene Buch”) takes place at 15:00 CET in EM 4 – director Shadi Adib and additional guests will be present (tickets here). The film was co-produced by M.A.R.K. 13.
ITFS, Photo: Max Kullmann
11:00-17:00 ITFS, Staatsgalerie Säulensaal GameZone Extended Hochschule der Medien, Animationsinstitut / FABW, Merz Akademie, Studio Seufz https://itfs.de/en/show/gamezone-extended-4/
The first award winners of the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS)2026 can be announced: In a joint awards ceremony – the AniX Awards – the German Animation Screenplay Award and the Trickstar Business Award were presented on the evening of May 7, 2026 at the Festival Centre in the Haus der Katholischen Kirche.
The Award for the Best German Screenplay for an Animated Feature Film in the amount of € 2,500 sponsored by the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS), goes to EMMI & EINSCHWEIN – EINHORN KANN JEDER! (EMMI & UNIPIG – ANYONE CAN BE A UNICORN!) by Anna Böhm (Producer: Stephan Wagner, Production: Carte blanche Media)
From the jury statement: The jury honours a screenplay whose powerful storytelling demonstrates just how vibrant, witty, and at the same time moving contemporary animated films for the whole family can be. “Emmi & Unipig – Anyone can be a Unicorn!” creates a world brimming with imagination without relying on mere cuteness. Instead, the story uses its wealth of magical creatures to explore very real emotions: shame, exclusion, the longing for belonging—and the courage to accept oneself, even when that doesn’t fit with the shiny expectations of others.
The Special Mention goes to PETRONELLA APFELMUS – DER FILM (PETRONELLA APPLEWITCH)by Claudio Winter and Seraina Nyikos (Producer: Dirk Beinhold, Valentin Greulich, Production: Akkord Film Produktion, Co-Producer:SERU Animation, funded by MFG)
Stefanie Larson, Sophia Bierend, Solveig Langeland, Silke Wilfinger, Stephan Wagner, Matthias Drescher and Jørn Precht (left to right), photo: ITFS, Reiner Pfisterer
Stefanie Larson, Seraina Nyikos, Claudio Winter and Sebastian Runschke (SERU) (left to right), photo: ITFS, Reiner Pfisterer
The Award for the German Screenplay with the Biggest International Market Potential in the amount of € 2,500, sponsored by SOLA MEDIA – and the winner is DREAMERS – THE HUNT FOR SHADOWCLAW by Jörg Ihle, Dominik Hochwald, Christopher Jenkins, Robert Moreland, and Alison James (Producers: Ulrich Schwarz, Ivy Stein, Production: parapictures filmproductions).
From the jury statement: DREAMERS is a wonderfully humorous, action-packed, and heartwarming screenplay featuring charmingly anthropomorphized animals who embrace their disabilities and use them as special, valuable abilities. This is done in an effortless, exciting, and highly entertaining way for all ages. Important messages such as tolerance, friendship, and inclusion are conveyed playfully. Because in the end, we are all Dreamers—a little bit normal, a little bit quirky, and each one special. The jury of this year’s screenplay award sees all the ingredients and potential for a successful international release in this emotional story.
The Special Mention goes to TRÜFFEL by Sonja Knyssok.
The jury consisted of Matthias Drescher, Sophia Bierend, Solveig Langeland, Jørn Precht and Silke Wilfinger.
Stefanie Larson, Solveig Langeland, Ulrich Schwarz, Jørn Precht, Ivy Stein, Silke Wilfinger, Sophia Bierend, Matthias Drescher and Robert Moreland (left to right), photo: ITFS, Reiner Pfisterer
Sonja Knyssok, photo: ITFS, Reiner Pfisterer
The Trickstar Business Award, the award for the Best Innovative and Groundbreaking Business Model for a Project or a Company in the Field of Animation in the amount of € 7,500 sponsored by Verband Region Stuttgart, goes to Atomedge(CEO: Guy van der Walt).
Let’s head into the weekend – and into Day 5 of STUTTGART ANIMATED WEEK 2026! Enjoy your time at ITFS and check out who from our CREATORS – and which of their projects – will also be featured there on Saturday, May 9. In the evening, the big ITFS awards ceremony will take place – we’re keeping our fingers crossed for all the nominees!
ITFS, Photo: Max Kullmann
11:00-20:00 ITFS, Staatsgalerie Säulensaal GameZone Extended Hochschule der Medien, Animationsinstitut / FABW, Merz Akademie, Studio Seufz https://itfs.de/en/show/gamezone-extended-8/
11:00 ITFS, Gloria 2 Tricks for Kids 3: Komm, ich helfe dir! “3 Kapitäne” by Julia Ocker, Thomas Meyer-Hermann (producer, Studio Film Bilder); “Kito, Maja und die Kugelkiste – Vom PUMPHUT und der Windstille” by Eliza Plocieniak-Alvarez, Alumna Animationsinstitut / FABW https://itfs.de/en/show/tricks-for-kids-3-komm-ich-helfe-dir-2/
Our Creators @ FMX and ITFS on Friday, May 8, 2026!
STUTTGART ANIMATED WEEK 2026 – Day 4: Where will you find our CREATORSon Friday, May 8, at FMX and ITFS? Let’s find this out, and other highlights! Please note: All FMX program sessions on Friday will take place either on the Filmakademie Campus in Ludwigsburg or online.
FMX, Photo: Dominique Brewing
11:00-20:00 ITFS, Staatsgalerie Säulensaal GameZone Extended Hochschule der Medien, Animationsinstitut / FABW, Merz Akademie, Studio Seufz https://itfs.de/en/show/gamezone-extended-10/
12:30 FMX, Ade-Studio, Filmakademie Campus Can animated content reach beyond the tween audience? Can talent earn a living from it? Arne Hain, Eliza Plocieniak-Alvarez, Alumni Animationsinstitut / FABW; Panel “Fresh Visions” curated by Christian Müller, Animationsinstitut / FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/36162
Our Creators @ FMX, ITFS und APD on Thursday, May 7, 2026!
Our CREATORS are involved in numerous talks, presentations, screenings, meetings and events at FMX, ITFS and APD on Thursday, May 7 – Day 3 of the STUTTGART ANIMATED WEEK2026. Find out where and when, and discover many more highlights!
11:00-20:00 ITFS, Staatsgalerie Säulensaal GameZone Extended Hochschule der Medien, Animationsinstitut / FABW, Merz Akademie, Studio Seufz https://itfs.de/en/show/gamezone-extended-2/
9:00-12:15 APD, Landesmuseum Württemberg – Altes Schloss Co-Production and Financing Market, Tailored One-to-One Meetings “The Little Dormouse”, gretels gold https://animationproductiondays.de/programme/market/
10:00 FMX, König-Karl-Halle The Craft of Sound: Innovation and Workflows at Walt Disney Animation Studios Panel “Sound Design” curated by Nami Strack, Animationsinstitut / FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/35083
10:00 FMX, Raum Reutlingen From Prototype to Market: Building the Next Wave of Creative Startups and Founders in Baden-Württemberg Veljko Sekelj, Hochschule der Medien, Panel “LÄND-made” curated by Christian Müller, Animationsinstitut / FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/35068
10:30 ITFS, Festival Centre, Veronika-Saal Making of: German Children’s Series “Kito & Maja – The Dream Globe Tales” by Eliza Plocieniak-Alvarez & Carol Ratajczak, Alumni Animationsinstitut / FABW https://itfs.de/en/show/making-of-german-childrens-series-2/
12:30 FMX, Meidinger-Saal & VOD From Pixels to Waveforms: How AI Bridges the Gap Between Picture and Sound Panel “Sound Design” curated by Nami Strack, Animationsinstitut / FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/35085
17:00 FMX, Raum Reutlingen & VOD Adult Animation in a Kids’ Industry: Making Task Force Querlitz in Germany Arne Hain, Alumnus Animationsinstitut / FABW; Panel “Fresh Visions” curated by Christian Müller, Animationsinstitut / FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/35022
19:00 ITFS, Festival Centre, Eugen-Bolz-Saal AnixAwards German Animation Screenplay Awards (sponsored by AMCRS, Sola Media), Trickstar Business Award https://itfs.de/en/show/anixawards-2/
21:30 Die Note, Berliner Platz 1 Animation Lounge AMCRS
May 5, 2026
Silent Film with Live Music: Die Abenteuer des Prinzen Achmed
The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film 2026 pays tribute to the art of silhouette animation in a special film screening: DIE ABENTEUER DES PRINZEN ACHMED, the oldest surviving feature-length animated film in cinema history, will be brought to life anew in an extraordinary live performance featuring its original score.
Lotte Reiniger, Carl Koch, Germany, 1926 Copyright: Stadtmuseum Tübingen
Lotte Reiniger, Carl Koch, Germany, 1926 Copyright: Stadtmuseum Tübingen
Members of the SWR Symphony Orchestra will accompany Lotte Reiniger’s 1926 silhouette film live, adding a new musical dimension to its intricate figures and fairy-tale imagery. The result is a striking interplay between early animation artistry and contemporary interpretation – honoring both the pioneering animation classic and its creator, Lotte Reiniger, along with her distinctive and influential technique.
Orchestra: Larissa Fernandes, violin | Anna Mazurek, cello | Elya Levin, flute | Ivan Danko, oboe | Lars Jönsson, piano | Conductor: Anton Brezinka
Date: Friday, May 8, 18:30 CET | Location: Innenstadtkinos Stuttgart, Gloria 1 |Tickets
With a focus on silhouette animation, the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film honors the pioneer of animation, Lotte Reiniger, and her influential animation technique. The occasion is this year’s anniversary: 100 years ago, on May 2, 1926, DIE ABENTEUER DES PRINZEN ACHMED by Lotte Reiniger premiered in Berlin. This silhouette film is considered the oldest surviving feature-length animated film in the world.
Lotte Reiniger is regarded as a trailblazer of silhouette animation. Her remarkable life story reflects her strength and resilience: she fled the Nazis and lived in London, Paris, and Rome – eventually also settling in Baden-Württemberg. Her work is therefore rightly at the center of a dedicated program focus at this year’s ITFS.
In addition, the ITFS has long awarded the Lotte Reiniger Promotion Award, a prize of €10,000 for the best animated graduation film in the Student Competition, sponsored by MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg.
Our Creators @ FMX, ITFS and APD on Wednesday, May 6, 2026!
Day 2 of the STUTTGART ANIMATED WEEK 2026! Discover when and where our CREATORS are participating at FMX, ITFS, and APD on Wednesday, May 6! And further highlights!
11:00-20:00 ITFS, Staatsgalerie Säulensaal GameZone Extended Hochschule der Medien, Animationsinstitut / FABW, Merz Akademie, Studio Seufz https://itfs.de/en/show/gamezone-extended-6/
9:00-12:15 APD, Landesmuseum Württemberg – Altes Schloss Co-Production and Financing Market, Tailored One-to-One Meetings “The Little Dormouse” (gretels gold) https://animationproductiondays.de/programme/market/
10:00 ITFS, Robert-Bosch-Saal (vhs Stuttgart) Kitaprogramm: Komm, ich helfe dir! “3 Kapitäne” by Julia Ocker, Thomas Meyer-Hermann (producer, Studio Film Bilder); “Lenas Hof: Volles Nest” by Elena Walf, Thomas Meyer-Hermann (producer, Studio Film Bilder); “Kito, Maja und die Kugelkiste – Vom PUMPHUT und der Windstille” by Eliza Plocieniak-Alvarez, Alumni Animationsinstitut / FABW https://itfs.de/en/show/kitaprogramm-komm-ich-helfe-dir-2/
10:00 FMX, Turm Aalen & VOD CrossDot / Umbraven – A Dark Fantasy Short / On the Road to Caen / Blue Tent / Hang In There School Presentations, presented by Alexandra Joshi, Animationsinstitut / FABW and Mark Szilagyi, FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/35005
11:15 FMX, Turm Aalen & VOD DOPAMIN100 / The Tyrant / SCREWED / Vincent School Presentations, presented by Alexandra Joshi, Animationsinstitut / FABW and Mark Szilagyi, FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/35006
18:15 FMX, Turm Aalen & VOD The future of immersive excellence, innovation, and collaboration in THE CYBERLÄND. Maximilian Schmierer, b.ReX, Panel “LÄND-made” curated by Christian Müller, Animationsinstitut / FABW https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/35036
19:00 ITFS, Staatsgalerie, Metzler Saal Open Stage Games BW, Keynote „Animation und Immersion in The Longing und Lucky Tower Ultimate“ Anselm Pyta, Studio Seufz, MFG https://itfs.de/en/show/open-stage-games-bw-2/
19:45 FMX, Metropol Cinema METROPOL CINEMA: Special Screening of Independence Day with Introduction by Roland Emmerich To attend the screening, pick up your ticket at the ticket counter on Level 0 starting on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:00! https://fmx.de/en/program/program-2026/detail/event/36445
Whether independent game studios or major publishers, recent graduates or recruiters looking for artists and graphic designers: Open Stage Games BW offers a platform for a wide range of players in the games industry to connect, exchange ideas, and bring their topics to the stage. This time, Open Stage Games BW is taking place in cooperation with the GameZone of the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) (May 5-10, 2026)!
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in line with the ITFS GameZone and the nominated titles for the Animated Games Award Germany, you can look forward to an impulse talk from the Games BW industry on the intersection and development of animation and games: Anselm Pyta (Studio Seufz) will present “Animation und Immersion in The Longing und Lucky Tower Ultimate.”
Lucky Tower Ultimate, Studio Seufz
After the talk, the stage will – as usual – be open to everyone. Got a topic you’d like to share or want to introduce yourself, your team, or your project? Then decide spontaneously during the event and simply sign up. During the networking session afterwards, you’ll have the chance to connect with others over drinks and light snacks.
The event is free of charge. Registration is required by May 5, 2026.
Date: May 6, 2026, 19:00-22:00 CET | Location: Museum Der Bildenden Künste / Alte Staatsgalerie, Metzler Saal, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 32, 70173 Stuttgart
At the ITFS GameZone, animation, games, and interactive experiences merge. From May 6 to May 10 (daily 11:00-20:00 CET, Sunday until 17:00 CET), you can discover and try out current games, creative projects, and new forms of digital storytelling. Visit the ITFS GameZone on May 6 before 19:00 CET and then join the Open Stage with your drink!
Open Stage Games BW goes ITFS is jointly organized by MFG Baden-Württemberg, Game Baden-Württemberg, CyberForum, K³ Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaftsbüro der Stadt Karlsruhe and Film Commission Region Stuttgart, in cooperation with the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film Stuttgart (ITFS), and supported by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg.
German Animation Screenplay Award ITFS 2026 – The Nominees
Trickstar statue (photo: Reiner Pfisterer)
German Screenplay Award at ITFS 2025 (photo: Reiner Pfisterer)
With the German Animation Screenplay Award, the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (May 5-10, 2026) honours authors for high quality screenplays for an animated feature-length film. The prize for the best screenplay for an animated feature film comes with prize money of 2,500 €, sponsored by the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS). Furthermore the ITFS presents the award for the German screenplay with the biggest international market potential, endowed with 2,500 € donated by Sola Media. The aim of the German Animation Screenplay Award is to recognise the central role of screenwriters in the creation of outstanding films and to create incentives to develop extraordinary stories for animated film. Both awards will be presented on Thursday, May 7 at 19:00 CET as part of the AniX Awards at the Festival Centre / Eugen-Bolz-Saal, where the Trickstar Business Award for the most innovative business model will also be presented.
The nominated screenplays are:
Dreamers – The Hunt for Shadowclaw | Script: Jörg Ihle, Dominik Hochwald, Robert Moreland, Alison James, Christopher Jenkins | Producer: Ulrich Schwarz, Ivy Stein
The jury consists of Matthias Drescher, Sophia Bierend, Solveig Langeland, Jørn Precht and Silke Wilfinger.
Learn more about the nominees in the Workshop-Talk: German Animation Screenplay Award – The Nominees on Thursday, May 7, 15:30 CET (Festival Centre / Veronika-Saal). Jørn Precht, Professor of Storytelling and Computer Animation at Stuttgart Media University, will present this year’s nominees for the German Animation Screenplay Award. The winning screenplay, “The Last Whale Singer,” which has already been adapted into a film, will also be presented by writer and director Reza Memari as well as producer Maite Woköck. It won the award for screenplay with the greatest international market potential at ITFS 2020. More information
