The nomination committees of the 62nd Grimme Awardsconvened in early January and, across the categories Information & Culture, Fiction, Entertainment, and Children & Youth, selected 71 productions and individual achievements from more than 750 submissions for nomination. A total of eleven nominations went to commercial broadcasters and streaming platforms, including two in Information & Culture, four in Fiction, three in Entertainment, and two in the Children & Youth category.
The series “Lena’s Farm” is nominated in the “Children” section of the competition category “Children & Youth”. The series – created by our CREATORS at Studio FILM BILDER and MINYA Film for ZDF – is broadcast on KiKA.
Lena’s Farm, Still: Studio FILM BILDER
The team includes Elena Walf (director and writer), Simon Thummet and Barbara Kuznetsova (writers), Ingo Weis and Jens Ripke-Desaules (editors), as well as Thomas Meyer-Hermann and Miljana Dragicevic (producers), and many more.
The winners of the 62nd Grimme Awards will be announced in March. Fingers crossed for all nominees!
A Sparrow’s Song, Credits: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
The Visual Effects Society has announced the nominations for the 24th VES Awards. The prestigious annual celebration recognizes outstanding visual effects artistry and innovation worldwide and the VFX supervisors, VFX producers and hands-on artists who bring this work to life. Also in the running are the visual effects from projects by AMCRS members.
In the category OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A STUDENT PROJECT, “A Sparrow’s Song” has made it onto the list of nominees. The project was created by Tobias Eckerlin, Vincent Maurer, Elias Weber, and Lilli-Luisa Heckmann (and many more) as a diploma project at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut. The film has already won a Student Academy Award in Gold, is currently shortlisted for the 2026 Academy Awards, and was recently nominated for the 2026 Annie Awards.
RISE FX can celebrate a nomination in the category OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN A PHOTOREAL FEATURE for “The Lost Bus” – Feather River Canyon by the Pulga Bridge – (nominated team: David Schulz, Mareike Loges, Björn Markgraf, and Philipp Hafellner).
Congratulations to everyone involved! Fingers crossed for the VES Awards ceremony on February 25, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Prix Italia Nomination for Pixelcloud’s GreenGuardiansVR
Great excitement for our HEROES at Pixelcloud: their VR game GreenGuardiansVR has been nominated in the “Digital Innovation” category of the prestigious Prix Italia. The award honors outstanding productions in the fields of radio, podcast, TV, and digital media, and is organized by the Italian broadcaster RAI.
SWR / Pixelcloud – GreenGuardiansVR
GreenGuardiansVR was produced by Südwestrundfunk (SWR) and Pixelcloud for ARD. The creative team included Christoph Rasulis (Director), Tim Philipp (Project Manager), Rolf Rothgerber (Developer), and Jonas Kirchner (Producer).
About the game: Young people under 25 often see the climate crisis as abstract, overwhelming — or both. We want to change that! We reimagine climate journalism through GreenGuardiansVR: a satirical co-op VR game combining action, teamwork, and humor. Instead of feeling helpless, players fight the root causes of global warming with up to four players in a gripping story that playfully teaches facts and media literacy.
A mega-corporation turns you into a robot, forcing you into a seemingly rosy future — while unstoppable climate change looms. Rebels hack the system to warn you: only together can you break the propaganda machine, take on the corporation, and save the planet.
The award show will be presented during the Prix Italia Festival (October 20 to 24, 2025) in Naples. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!
Studio Filmbilder nominated as “Producer of the Year” at the Cartoon Forum Tributes 2025!
Our CREATORS from Studio Filmbilder are among the contestants for the “Producer of the Year” category at the Cartoon Forum Tributes 2025! The Tributes are set to recognise European animation latest achievements. The winners will be voted by the professionals attending Cartoon Forum, the European coproduction forum for animated series to be held on September 15-18 in Toulouse, France.
The Cartoon Forum Tributes awards are broken down into three categories – “Broadcaster”, “Investor/Distributor”, and “Producer of the Year”. In addition to Studio Filmbilder, Belgium’s Creative Conspiracy, Poland’s Grupa Smacznego / GS Animation, and France’s SILEX FILMS are also nominated in the “Producer of the Year” category.
Studio Filmbilder’s “Animanimals” and “Lena’s Farm” were presented at previous editions of Cartoon Forum. This year they participate with the children’s series “3 Captains”. More information
Our CREATORS from Gretels Gold are also taking part in this year’s Cartoon Forum – with their project “A Trip with a Drip.”More information
About Cartoon Forum: Cartoon Forum is a unique eventfocusing onpitching sessions of pre-selected TV projects, where animation producers can find cross-border partners and speed up financial arrangements. It allows co-productions to be finalised, pre-buys agreed, negotiation of distribution agreements, options discussed on every type of right, and licensing of secondary rights.Created in 1990 to boost the co-production and distribution of European animation for television and new media platforms, Cartoon Forum has helped 1,017 animation series obtain financing to the tune of 3.69 billion €. The 36 th Cartoon Forum is organised by CARTOON – European Association of Animation Film with the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA, CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée), Région Occitanie, Mairie de Toulouse, Toulouse Métropole, Casino Barrière and France Télévisions (FTV).
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
August 5, 2025
Student Academy Awards 2025 – Two Animationsinstitut Diploma Films Nominated!
Press Release Animationsinstitut, Ludwigsburg, August 5, 2025
At this year’s Student Academy Awards two animated films produced at the Animationsinstitutof Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg have been nominated as finalists. Out of more than 3,000 submissions, the diploma films “A SPARROW’S SONG” and “THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE“, along with five other films have made it to the final round of the coveted ‘Student Oscars’ in the Animation category.
“A SPARROW’S SONG” by Tobias Eckerlin (director and producer) is inspired by a true story. A widowed air raid warden struggles to overcome her grief and rediscover joy in her life. In the midst of World War II, she finds a dying sparrow she hopes to save. As the bird slowly recovers, a deep bond forms between them, and the sparrow responds to her playing the piano – a shared language. Trailer “A SPARROW’S SONG“
A Sparrow’s Song, Credits: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
A Sparrow’s Song, Team (from the left): Elias Weber, Tobias Eckerlin, Vincent Maurer & Lilli-Luisa Heckmann, FABW
In “THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE“, written and directed by Oscar Jacobson, a nude model poses with statue-like composure at an elite art school – until a nasty mosquito bite puts his self-control to the test. Overwhelmed by the urge to itch, he spirals into an inner battle between the relentless pressure for perfection and his uncontrollable, animalistic instincts. Trailer “THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE“
The Undying Pain of Existence, Credits: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
The Undying Pain of Existence, Oscar Jacobson at his Diploma Showroom, FABW
Dr. Andreas Bareiß, Managing Director of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, on the nomination of the graduate films: “I am very happy for Tobias and Oscar and for everyone involved in the creation of these wonderful films. The nomination itself is a huge success, not only for the filmmakers, but also for the entire Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. It puts focus on the fact that we are enabling the creation of outstanding work here. Now, I’m excitd for the awards ceremony and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the teams.”
The Student Academy Award, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is considered the most prestigious honour for student projects in the film industry. The awards ceremony will take place on October 6, 2025 in New York.
Dr. Jan Pinkava, Director of the Animationsinstitut, is proud of the success of his graduates: “Congratulations to Tobi, Oscar and their brilliant teams, from all of us at Animationsinstitut! To be the only school with two finalists in the Student Academy Awards is indeed a great honour, and recognition of not only the talent of our students and our vital teaching culture, but also of the Filmakademie’s devotion and commitment to the future of animation. These enchanting films will find a delighted audience!”
Find out more about the Student Academy Awards 2025 here.
Check here for even more information about the projects.
Student Academy Awards 2025 Semifinalists announced!
Among the recently announced semifinalists of the 2025 Student Academy Awards are four projects from the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, including three from the Animationsinstitut!
“Kaulquappe (Polliwog)“ (Animation) by Julia Skala, more information “A Sparrow’s Song“ (Animation) by Tobias Eckerlin, more information “The Undying Pain of Existence“ (Animation) by Oscar Jacobson, trailer and more information “Same, but different – The Image of Women in the Catholic Church“ (Documentary) by Eva-Maria Schauer
Congratulations to everyone involved, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the next stage of the selection process!
A Sparrow’s Song – Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Trailer „The Undying Pain of Existence“
June 27, 2025
42. Filmfest München
Tafiti – Across the Desert
Pumuckl’s New Adventures
Two animated projects involving AMCRS members will celebrate their world premieres this coming weekend at the 42. Filmfest München (June 27 to July 6, 2025) – and both are in the running for an award.
“TAFITI – ACROSS THE DESERT” and “PUMUCKL’S NEW ADVENTURES” are screening in the “CineKindl” competition and have been nominated for Best Film in this children’s and youth film section.
The animated children’s film “TAFITI – ACROSS THE DESERT” (directed by Nina Wels) was created with the participation of Red Parrot Studios. World sales are handled by Sola Media. The premiere will take place on Saturday, June 28. All information and credits
The animation for the goblin Pumuckl in the TV series “PUMUCKL’S NEW ADVENTURES” (directed by Marcus H. Rosenmüller) – with selected episodes from season 2 nominated – was created by Studio Soi. The premiere is scheduled for Sunday, June 29. All information and credits
The Filmfest München is the second-largest film festival in Germany, after the Berlinale.
A few days ago, the nominations for the Grimme Award2025 were announced, and we are thrilled that AMCRS CREATORS are among the nominees!
In the Fiction category, “Das Grundgesetz der Tiere” (The Constitution of Animals), created by Unterhaltungsfernsehen Ehrenfeld and our CREATORS from Studio Soi (for ZDF), has been nominated. In the Children & Youth category, the series Fritzi und Sophie – Grenzenlose Freundschaft (Fritzi and Sophie – Boundless Friendship) by Balance Film, Trickstudio Lutterbeck, and our CREATORS from Studio Film Bilder (for MDR/WDR/SWR) also earned a nomination.
Congratulations to all the teams involved! We can’t wait for the awards ceremony on March 6, 2025!
About the Grimme Award, presented by the Grimme-Institut: The Grimme Award honors television programs and achievements that serve as exemplary and model contributions to broadcasting. The guiding principle of the television critique institutionalized in the Grimme Award is to encourage a comprehensive engagement with television as a central and significant medium that has diverse societal connections and impacts. This critical examination encompasses all topics and forms of television.
„Fritzi und Sophie“ celebrated its World Premiere at the ITFS 2024, Image: Ralf Kukula, Matthias Bruhn, Thomas Meyer-Hermann (Balance Film, Trickstudio Lutterbeck, Studio Film Bilder)
Trailer “Das Grundgesetz der Tiere”
July 19, 2024
Emmy Nominations 2024!
The nominations for the Emmy Awards2024 have been announced!
The series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was nominated in the category “Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie”. Accenture Song VFX (with – among others – visual effects supervisor Emanuel Fuchs), Scanline VFX and PIXOMONDO were involved in the creation of the series. RISE also have every reason to celebrate: they contributed to the visual effects of the series “Fallout,” which has been nominated in the same category.
PIXOMONDO were also involved in the series “3 Body Problem” and “Winning Time”, both of which were nominated in several categories.
The 76th Emmys will be awarded on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles. We are keeping our fingers crossed for all nominees!
