Preparing for its 40th anniversary, the UNESCO-endorsed Biennial of Animation Bratislava (BAB) is the oldest film festival in Slovakia and marks 33 years of its current status with Prix Klingsor given as a lifetime achievement award.
The Biennial has hosted over 52 world-renowned laureates, including Oscar winners, accepting lifetime achievement and outstanding contribution awards, including M. Dudok de Wit, P. Driessen, G. Deitch, M. Ocelot, J.P. Laguionie, Co Hoedeman, K. Yamamura, J. Coates, G. Bendazzi, and others.
Under bylaws, submitted productions compete for Best Picture (Viktor Kubal Award since 2003), the UNICEF Award (since 2001), Best Picture from V4 (St. Vojtech’s Prize since 2003), the ECFA European Children's Film Association Award (since 2018) and the Children’s Choice Award (since 1993).
The Biennial has an Official Selection Committee, Executive Committee and an International Jury consisting of renowned leaders in the field from around the world.
The International House of Art for Children organizes the Biennial primarily for children and because of them. Positive impact on the next generation is the fundamental focus of the Biennial’s focus. Other key focus points are legacy and the sharing of accomplished leaders’ expertise as well as the cross-cutting impact of new technologies. The Biennial organizes an international leadership forum, animation workshops and other activities.
Under current bylaws of the Biennial of Animation Bratislava (BAB) its Executive Committee gives the following awards and prizes:
PRIX KLINGSOR – given to a distinguished personality whose life-long work united artistic and filmmaking qualities focused on production for children. The award comprises a diploma and a statue.
ALBÍN BRUNOVSKÝ Honorary Medal – given in the memory of BAB founder for outstanding contribution to the field of animation. The award comprises a diploma and a medal.
The International Jury gives the following awards and prizes:
Best Picture (VIKTOR KUBAL Prize) – given to the creators of the best animated film which meets the highest quality criteria of artistic, animation and conceptual unity in relation to the the children’s audience. The prize comprises a diploma and a bronze statue.
UNICEF Award – given to the makers of animation, which is focused on the issue of the protection of children’s rights. The award comprises a diploma and a commemorative object.
Best Picture from V4 (St. VOJTECH’S Prize) – given to a film director from a V4 country for production of outstanding quality in the competition section. This prize aims to support high-quality animation for children in all V4 countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland).
The International Jury has the right not to give any of the aforementioned awards or prizes. It can award a Special Mention.
Non-statutory awards include the Literary Fund Premium – a financial prize for the best Slovak animated film awarded by the Slovak Literary Fund
ECFA Jury gives a distinct award:
ECFA Award – given to the director of animated film for the best European short film which will be selected into the final ECFA voting for the Best European Children ́s Film of the Year. The award comprises a diploma.
Other Awards
CHILDREN ́S CHOICE Award – given to the director of the film chosen on the basis of the results of a survey among children participating in festival screenings. The prize comprises a diploma and a commemorative object.