Rise & Shine 2026 Selection Announced

Why It Matters

The initiative accelerates the careers of Europe’s next‑generation animators, providing high‑profile festival exposure and direct pathways to funding and distribution.

Key Takeaways

• 11 projects chosen from over 80 applications for Rise & Shine 2026
• Program spans June, October (online), and December 2026 across Croatia and Slovenia
• Mentors include Academy Award‑winning animator Chris Lavis and pitch coach Anna Vášová
• Winners receive awards, a CEE Forum 2027 grant, and Clermont‑Ferrand market entry
• Initiative strengthens European animation talent pipeline and cross‑border festival collaborations

Pulse Analysis

Rise & Shine’s 2026 selection underscores the growing demand for structured development pathways in the European animation sector. By narrowing a pool of over 80 submissions to eleven standout shorts, the lab signals both the depth of emerging talent and the competitive nature of contemporary storytelling. The program’s hybrid format—live sessions at Animafest Zagreb, an online phase, and a finale at Ljubljana’s Animateka Festival—offers creators sustained mentorship and visibility across two major cultural events, amplifying their reach beyond national borders.

Mentorship lies at the heart of the lab’s value proposition. Participants receive guidance from seasoned professionals, including Academy Award‑winning animator Chris Lavis, whose experience bridges artistic excellence and commercial viability. Pitch coach Anna Vášová and script mentor Pedro Rivero add narrative rigor, ensuring projects are both compelling and market‑ready. The award structure further incentivizes excellence: winners secure the Rise & Shine Audience Award, a direct entry to the CEE Animation Forum 2027, and a coveted slot at the Clermont‑Ferrand Short Film Market, a gateway to international distributors and buyers.

Strategically, Rise & Shine bolsters Europe’s animation pipeline by fostering cross‑border collaboration between Croatia, Slovenia, and the broader CEE region. The program not only nurtures individual careers but also strengthens the continent’s collective creative ecosystem, positioning it to compete with North American and Asian studios. As the selected shorts progress toward festival screenings and potential commercial release, they will showcase the region’s storytelling diversity, attracting investment and reinforcing Europe’s reputation as a hub for innovative animated content.