Sofia International Animation Film Festival Golden Kuker

Festival

Festival presentation: 

One of the most important cultural events in Bulgaria and the world - International Animation Film Festival “Golden Kuker” - took its first steps in the National Palace of Culture in October 2010 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It had a tremensous success and was vividly reflected in the media. More than 200 films from 29 countries entered the competition in 2010 and more than 340 films from 51 countries in 2011 (among which were authors of three films nominated for an “Oscar” and films of artists awarded at international festivals category "A"). IAFF “Golden Kuker” is the first festival of animation in Bulgaria since the beginning of the new century. It welcomes international participation and already ranks in the list of the major festivals in the world of animation. It is organized by BAICAA (Bulgarian Association of Independent Cartoon Animation Artists - "Proyko Proykov” - a non-profit organization), chaired by Mrs. Nadezhda Slavova (cartoon artist, filmmaker and author of numerous animation films). The next edition of the festival of animation will take place from 28 May to 3 June 2012.

Festival Nickname: 

IAFF "Golden Kuker - Sofia"

Edition: 

8

Festival Logo: 

Theme: 

Animation

Category/Format: 

Animated Films

About the Festival

The GOLDEN KUKER Sofia International Animation Film Festival, established in 2010, is a festival dedicated to bring all animation creators and lovers together. It is organized every year in Sofia by the Bulgarian Association of Independent Cartoon Animation Artists “Proyko Proykov” /BAICAA/. It has become one of the most highlighted cultural events in Sofia and is recognized by the film critics as a successful festival ever since its first edition. It aims to disprove the common opinion that animation is “cartoons for kids” by screening a myriad of attention-engaging, intelligent films from the most exotic countries in the world, showcasing different animation techniques, showing that animation is for everyone. The supporting events such as workshops, master-classes, lectures, round tables and presentations, provide a rare opportunity to meet world renowned animation professionals, make contacts and present/watch the latest animation creations from all around the world.

The programme of the festival includes:

• Competition programme covering several categories (international feature films /over 50 min/, international short films /up to 1min, up to 10 min and from 10 to 50 min/, Bulgarian films, student films, films made for kids, commissioned films, eco-animation films [focus for 2012 edition]);
• Informational programme presenting interesting animation films from various countries;
• Tributes to other international animation festivals;
• Retrospectives of film schools/institutes and distinctive animation professionals and/or studios;

The Grand Prix “Golden Kuker” is presented every year to the most deserving animation short or feature film. The Special prize named after Bulgarian animator “Proyko Proykov” is given to a winning film in a different category every year. In 2010, it was presented to the Best film Made for Kids. In 2011, the Best Student film was awarded the statuette. In the third edition of IAFF Golden Kuker, the prize will be won by the best Eco-animation film, since the focus for 2012 is Ecology and preservation of the environment.

Every year, the Festival organizes parallel events spicing up the festive ambience and intriguing the participants and guests. Among them are professional master-classes, workshops, presentations, Q&A's with filmmakers, exhibitions, mini-concerts and cocktail parties.

Our mission is to help Bulgarian and foreign animators get in touch with each other and to help support young animators in Bulgaria.

Partners

Sofia is supported by Sofia Municipal Council, Sofia Municipality, National Culture Fund, National Film Center, Bulgarian National Television, Bulgarian National Radio, American Embassy, Norwegian Embassy, Finnish Embassy and many others who became our partners and sponsors and helped us financially and morally. 

Sponsorship and Benefits to Sponsors

The festival organizers strive to be the best, and we do so with a very small, but very dedicated staff. If you are passionate about the kaleidoscope of cultural experiences which the Festival provides every year, please consider becoming Team Member, Partner, Benefactor, Supporter or Sponsor to help us continue to run the best Animation Festival in Bulgaria.The International Animation Film Festival "Golden Kuker" is in need of sponsors, so that it could keep happening every year. Please e-mail us for more info: info(at)animationfest-bg.eu

There are many benefits, which your company would receive in return for being associated with the  International Animation Film Festival “Golden Kuker”. Do not hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to discuss opportunities to suit all budgets and needs. We are sure that we will be able to cooperate in the name of Art & Culture.