Director Reza Memari was honored with the Cartoon Tribute for Director of the Year at the European animation forum Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux. He received the award for the animated film “The Last Whale Singer.”
“The Last Whale Singer” is Memari’s second animated feature film following „Überflieger – Kleine Vögel, großes Geklapper“ (“Richard the Stork”). An animated fantasy for family audiences, the film follows Vincent, the orphaned son of the last Whale Singer, who must overcome his fears and discover his own voice to help save the oceans.
The award is presented annually by the attending industry professionals and recognizes outstanding achievements in the European animation industry. The ceremony took place at the Palais des Congrès in Bordeaux, concluding the 28th edition of the international pitching and co-production forum. The project was presented at Cartoon Movie at different stages – from concept in 2018 to development in 2020 and production in 2025 – and is an international co-production between Germany, the Czech Republic, and Canada. The film has already been sold to more than 30 territories worldwide and was funded by MFG.
In 2020, the screenplay won the German Animation Screenplay Award at Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film. It was also selected for Animation Production Days 2020. At ITFS 2026, “The Last Whale Singer” will appear multiple times in the program, including a talk, a making-of session, and a screening.
At Cartoon Movie 2026, several projects were presented that involve members of the AMCRS:
- “Billie Beat” (directed by Nina Wels and Timo Berg), with Red Parrot Studios – more information
- “Sam & Julia” (adaptation – author Karina Schaapman), with co-producer The M.A.R.K.13™ – Group (Holger Weiss), among others – more information
- “Monster Mia” (directed by Verena Fels), with co-producer Peng-Boom-Tschak Films (The M.A.R.K.13™ – Group, Holger Weiss, Dominique Schuchmann), among others, and sales agent Sola Media – more information
Sources: News MFG | Cartoon Movie, Press Release | ITFS
