After announcing the 40 project-strong selection for its pitching competition, which will take place 26-29 April (read the news), and the list of juries and awards (read the news), the CEE Animation Forum has revealed the programme of its industry days, running 4-6 May.

The industry days will open with a presentation by Maria Silvia Gatta (European Commission), who will speak about the new programming scheme for the MEDIA sub-programme Creative Europe.

The audience will discover more about the Eurimages support fund, followed by exclusive presentations of two animated feature films in production: White Plastic Sky [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Tibor Bánóczki, Sarolta Sz…
scheda film] by Tibor Bánóczki and Sarolta Szabó, and Of Unwanted Things and People by David Sukup. The subsequent panel discussion with invited guests from Animond, Ciclic Animation, and Re-act will focus on regional funding possibilities for animated projects. 

On Tuesday 5 May will be held a presentation of the new Audiovisual Media Services Directive and its implementation. Only registered participants will have access to the keynote by Wendy Bernfeld, introducing VOD/OTT digital players who are buying and sometimes funding animated content production, focusing primarily on niche and mid-size players rather than the “Big 5“. After her exclusive session, Bernfeld will host a panel discussion with eminent guest speakers from the world of streaming channels and digital distribution, such as Erick Opeka of Cinedigm Corp., Daniella Galegos of GLITCH, part of Tribes Media, Bruno Felix of Submarine, Frank Falcone of Guru Studios, Nathalie Bourdon of NFB and Jan Naszewski of New Europe Film Sales.  

The last day will begin with a session dedicated to XR content, followed by the Eurimages feature talk on the long-awaited feature film, Denisa Grimmová and Jan Bubeníček's Even Mice Belong in Heaven. Seven young talented filmmakers from this years’ CEE Animation Talents selection will have an in-depth talk with Igor Prassel, and accredited participants will have the possibility to watch all seven promising short films.

A keenly awaited part of the programme is the award ceremony announcing the best animated projects from the ninth edition of the CEE Animation Forum 2021. The B2B programme will be closed by a joint session organised in collaboration with Animation Production Days. The registered industry professionals from both events will have the opportunity to meet and find new collaboration opportunities.

By purchasing the accreditation (€20 for film professionals, and €10 for students), you get full access to the 1:1 meetings with attending industry professionals and to exclusive content, including the screening of the CEE Animation Talents 2021 selection.

Part of the programme will be streamed live on Facebook.