2ANNAS Industry days will focus on animation

From April 11 to 13, the Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS Industry Days program 2ANNAS FORUM: Animation DNA takes place. This year the program is dedicated to the most physical film genre, thus also echoing and complementing the main theme of the festival - Body and flesh. Industry events are organized in close cooperation with the Latvian Animation Association. Admission to all events is free, open to all.

Animation plays an essential role in the construction of identity and representation of the body. In this medium, the body undergoes such metamorphoses that narrative cinema simply cannot materialise. Through informal discussions and conversations, we aim to examine the role of animation in the film industry. We will also look at the artistic, social and philosophical aspects of animation, and how it can be used to tell compelling stories and convey powerful messages.

On the first day (11.04.2023), participants, especially industry professionals, are invited to the discussion "Animation DNA: Distribution and the role of film festivals" (15:00, M/Darbnīca). Representatives of the Baltic animation institutions will discuss the importance of animation short films and festivals on both local and international scales.

On the second day (12.04.2023), the focus will be on the professional development and physical well-being of animation filmmakers, thus following up the conversation on the mental and physical health of the industry professionals that 2ANNAS FORUM tackled during the previous Industry Days edition.

Endless hours of passive sitting in front of a monitor as well as the frequent lifting of heavy equipment leave tangible consequences on the physical health of the film industry workers. Therefore, physiotherapist Līga Līdumniece-Šulce invites cinema professionals, especially animation directors, editors, DoPs, and other technical workers, to start the day with a morning workout (M/Darbnīca). While exercising together, the physiotherapist will share her professional and practical advice on how to avoid injuries and body strain in everyday life.

The second day also comes with the Masterclass by Ülo Pikkov (11:00, M/Darbnīca). Estonian animation director, teacher and theoretician Pikkov is one of the most prominent animation authors in Estonia. Pikkov will share his professional advice and reflect upon his creative approach.

In animated films, the body is perceived in a less prejudiced way. Moreover, in the field of independent animation, a rapidly increasing amount of films and authors boldly speak about body, sensuality and mental health. In response to this, on the final day (13.04.2023) we invite festival guests, animation lovers and professionals to attend the discussion “Animation DNA: Talking about body and sensuality through animation” (15:00, K. Suns). Setting aside any bias or discomfort, we will collectively ponder the themes of nudity and sexuality in animated films.

The discussion will be followed by a retrospective of Signe Baumane’s shorts "Body and Flesh", curated by 2ANNAS program director Laima Graždanoviča (17:00, K. Suns).

Industry days are organized with the support of the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Creative Europe MEDIA desk in Latvia.

This will be the 27^th edition of the Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS. As usual, 2ANNAS has prepared a rich selection of original, innovative, challenging and socially active short films and medium-length films. Nevertheless, the unofficial part and the special events have become the hallmark of 2ANNAS. Expect untamed parties in unusual places, a liberated atmosphere and busy and fruitful mingling with like-minded international cinema colleagues.

2ANNAS advocates the short film as an independent cinema genre. The short film format is not a rite of passage before moving on to the debut fiction. We strongly believe that it is a conscious, consistent choice, the result of which is a high-quality artistic oeuvre.