The 5th edition of the Animation Bucharest International Film Festival (ABIFF) will take place from May 30 to June 1, 2025, in Bucharest and 11 other cities across Romania. This vibrant event celebrates the art of animation through a rich program of synchronized screenings, educational activities, and creative exchanges. ABIFF 2025 aims to unite animation creators and enthusiasts from Romania and abroad, fostering a collaborative community where ideas are shared, talents are nurtured, and the next generation of animators is inspired.
Our mission is not only to celebrate and promote animation as an art form but also to cultivate a collaborative space where professionals and enthusiasts share knowledge, learn from one another, and contribute to the growth of the animation industry. This year’s program includes a variety of sections and events tailored to diverse audiences, with a strong focus on Romanian animation and its creators.

ABIFF 2025 Sections:
a) ABIFF International Short Film Competition – Author's Section
This competitive section showcases recent short films with a distinct authorial perspective. Films submitted to this section will be considered for the Award for Best Author's Short Film.
b) ABIFF International Short Film Competition – Children's Section
This competitive section features recent short films targeted at children. It offers a captivating journey into the magical world of animation, showcasing fresh films curated specifically for children aged 3 to 10 years. Films submitted to this section will be considered for the Award for Best Children's Short Film.
c) ABIFF AnimaXperience
This non-competitive section presents captivating visions of authorial animation (feature-length films) curated by the Artistic Director.
d) Polish Animation Showcase
This non-competitive section is dedicated to Polish animated films—classic and contemporary—highlighting their historical value and contributions to the field of animation.
e) Two Online Masterclasses on Scriptwriting in Animation and Pitch Preparation
Special events designed for Romanian students and young professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of animation.
f) An Online Pitch for Romanian Professionals
This new addition allows Romanian producers and artists to present their projects, with opportunities for collaboration and networking. This will have a separate open call in March 2025.
g) Five Hybrid Practical Workshops Designed for Romanian students and teachers
These workshops focus on animation principles and techniques.

ABIFF Animation Bucharest International Festival #5 is produced by Mockra Productions and co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN). The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the project results can be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.

A jury of film industry and education professionals will assign the ABIFF 2025 awards. Awards include:
• Award for Best Author's Short Film: 700 EUR gross
• Award for Best Children's Short Film: 500 EUR gross
The awards will be given to the directors of the films.

Edition: #5
Start of Call: January 15, 2025
Dates: May 30 to June 1, 2025

Venue: Bucharest and 11 other cities across Romania

Email: abi@abi-f.ro
Web page: https://abiff.ro/

Submission Guidelines for the Two Competitional Sections:
1. Individuals or legal entities from anywhere in the world can participate, regardless of language, as long as they are at least 18 years old.
2. The same director, producer, or sales agent may submit any number of animated works.
3. The submitted films must have a maximum running time of 25 minutes, including all credits.
4. The Animated films must have been produced after January 1, 2024.
5. The submission deadline for free entry is March 25th, 2025. Late entries can be submitted until April 15, 2025, with a fee of 15 Euros.
6. All films must have English subtitles.
7. The films submitted to the festival should not be publicly available or freely accessible on online platforms.
8. In case of selection, the films should be submitted in digital file format with the following specifications:
o Clean version (mov/mp4 format) with separate English subtitles (SRT format).
o Video: H.264 encoder, ideal resolution 1080p (1920 × 1080).
o Audio: AAC 48kHz/16bit.
Submission Process:
Fill out the Entry Form on FilmFreeway providing the following information and materials:
• Film and English subtitles
• Name, email address, address, country (for statistical purposes only)
• Selected participants may be asked to provide additional materials/information.
Film Selection and Results:
The Festival Committee will have discretion in selecting films for the festival. The list of selected films will be communicated to the authors/producers/distributors by April 30, 2025. It is strictly prohibited to publicly announce the results before the official press conference, which will be communicated through the festival's official channels.

Rights and Promotion:
By submitting a film, participants confirm that they hold the necessary rights to the film and permit ABIFF to screen the film and to use stills and video excerpts for promotional purposes related to the film and the festival. Films must not violate people's rights, including race, creed, or social status.

Contact Information:
For further information, inquiries, or submissions, please contact:
Email: abi@abi-f.ro

Organizers:
Festival Director: Valentin Urziceanu
Artistic Director: Mirona Radu

Overall Rating
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  • Great animation film festival in Romania! Excellent selection and they work a lot to make it a special event. Congrats!

    June 2025
  • Thank you ABIFF team for screening our short student stop motion film Cell Buddies in the Children's selection. Unfortunately we could not attend the festival in person but the communication was great!

    June 2025
  • Piret Sigus

    Great festival! Taking place at same time in 12 different locations around Romania - it is such a vitamin shot for both sides: for filmmakers to have wider audience and for audience the possibility to have festival at quite "next door". We wish you luck to keep on rolling the festival for many-many years. Ps! Thank you for recognition!

    September 2024
  • Maxime Vouillon

    very good festival, very good selection, the team is very nice and the discussions we had very pleasant, I hope to be able to attend the next edition !

    September 2024
  • Grande festival esperamos participar das próximas edições

    July 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Joan Ricardo Costa! Wishing you all the best!