Pierre-Luc Granjon’s short about a child’s magical inner world takes the top prize; ‘Kafka in Love’ wins for Best Nordic-Baltic Short, while ‘Papillon’ wins for Best Global Short.
The 2025 Fredrikstad Animation Festival concluded this past weekend with a Saturday award ceremony to honor winners in a host of categories, followed by an all-night celebration with filmmakers, guests and festival friends.FAF awards honored filmmakers for the Best Nordic-Baltic Feature Film, Best Nordic-Baltic Short Film, Best Nordic-Baltic Student Film, Best Nordic-Baltic Commissioned Film, Best Nordic-Baltic Children’s Film, the new Best Nordic-Baltic Young Audience Film, the Audience Award, and the Grand Prix Award.
This year’s award winners are as follows: Grand Prix Directed by Pierre-Luc Granjon France, 2024 Jury statement: A magical journey into a child’s inner world at night, in search of monsters but finding friendship and comfort.Audience Award Directed by William Picot, Simen Hindenes, Magnus Myren, William Opdal Norway, 2025 Best Nordic–Baltic Short Film Directed by Zane Oborenko Czech Republic, Latvia, 2024 Jury statement: Visceral portrayal of a writer’s inner life and turmoil which astonished the jury with its beauty and craftsmanship.Best Nordic-Baltic Feature Film Directed by Lauris Abele, Raitis Abele Latvia, USA, 2025 Jury statement: The award goes to a bold and brave film that forces its audience to endure a story of excess and abuse of power.
It pushes boundaries – both ours as audience and the expectations of animation.We hope this film can infect the Nordic-Baltic animation landscape.It’s a film that makes no compromises and refuses to please its audience.
Through medieval horror comedy, the film mirrors uncomfortable questions we are facing today.Special Mention – Feature Film Directed by Jens Møller Finland, 2025 Jury statement: This Special Mention is awarded to a film that addresses young audiences with respect and sensitivity – speaking to them in an engaging visual language.The filmmakers make full use of the expressive power of animation, creating a vivid fantasy world that mirrors and supports the inner lives of the main characters during a complex moment of transformation.
Through the skillful combination of all these elements, the film delivers a compelling visual adventure for the whole family.Best Global Short Film Directed by Florence Miailhe France, 2024 Jury statement: Uniquely painted frames bring this story to life as a swimmer reflects back on his dramatic life through the theme of water Best Nordic–Baltic Student Film Directed by Felicia Anna Aurora Bergström Germany, 2024 Jury statement: A vivid and emotional monologue portraying a spiral of joy, anger, sorrow, regret, and desperation.The chosen technique supports the story beautifully and makes it visually strong and unexpected.
Best Nordic Baltic Young Audience Film Directed by Mikkel Mainz Denmark, 2025 Jury statement: The film we liked best has an interesting story and exciting music that gave us a vivid glimpse into a mythical world.We appreciated the design, the magical creatures, and the overall visual expression.The winner is .
Special Mention – Young Audience Film Directed by Nicolaj Larsson Denmark, 2025 Jury statement: Our Special Mention goes to a film that is very beautiful, with incredible music and lovely animation.We enjoyed the creative madness that made us think of “PANORAMA.” Best Nordic-Baltic Children’s Film Directed by Yaprak Morali & Are Austnes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, 2024 Jury statement: The film we liked best has a magical story.It’s a sweet short film with fine details – a little funny and a little special.
Special Mention – Children’s Film Directed by Elmer Mikael Lødemel Denmark, 2024 Jury statement: This film is “completely crazy” — dangerously funny! The runner-up is .Best Nordic-Baltic Commissioned Film Directed by Tord Theodor Olsen Norway, 2025 Jury statement: With subtle emotion and a smartly crafted animation style, this film gently evokes empathy while balancing it with a touch of humor.Its authenticity and diverse cast of characters offer a touching glimpse into the life of children.
Low-key yet powerful, the film leaves a lasting impression long after the screening.Lifetime Achievement Award
This year, the Fredrikstad Animation Festival Lifetime Achievement Award goes to the Swedish animator, director, and illustrator Olof Landström.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
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