The Stuttgart Animated Film Festival reveals the details of the virtual edition

April 14 2020

The event will consist of three levels: one free and two requiring payment. OnlineFestival Free will offer a mix of moderated interviews, live panels and short films each day, as well as opening and award ceremonies, all streamed. There will also be a free Gamezone, offering games for children and adults, presentations of schools and studios, seminars and conferences, and a focus on nominees for the Animated Games Award Germany 2020.

With a one-time fee of € 9,99 (US $ 10,68), viewers can access OnlineFestival +, which will feature on-demand streams of selected in-competition shorts, feature films and highlights from recent years - over 250 films in all - along with video statements from the directors. Selections include high profile shorts such as those by Konstantin Bronzit It cannot live without cosmos and Tomek Popakul Acid rain, alongside classic features (by Adam Elliot) Mary & Max) and new (by Eduardo Rivero A costume for Nicolas, a first from Mexico). An image from the latter film is at the top of this piece.

OnlineFestival Pro is aimed at professionals in the sector. It will contain lectures and master classes, one of which is curated by Ernest & Celestine co-director Benjamin Renner; links to the animation production days of the sister event of ITFS, which is a co-production and financing market; and access to the Animated Video Market, where you can see around 1.900 films presented at this year's festival. It costs € 19,99 ($ 21,40) and includes an OnlineFestival + pass.

This layered model is one of the most nuanced we've seen so far. Obviously, ITFS has had more time to conceive it than festivals that have already organized online editions, such as Ann Arbor and SXSW. It remains to be seen whether it works, both commercially and technically. In any case, ITFS does not see virtual editions as a long-term solution, as Dieter Krauss, commercial CEO behind the festival, clarified:

At this specific time, it is of particular importance to establish a platform for filmmakers to provide visibility and audience for their creative and artistic works. At the same time, our fans can enjoy many artistic and animated films, even if only at home this year for once. However, it is still important for us to organize a festival for joint film experiences and opportunities for personal exchange next year.

We recently talked to people in the industry about what the transition to online festivals means to them.

For more information on OnlineFestival.ITFS.de, visit the official website.