Spotlight on CEE Animation Conference GO! 2025: Advancing Sustainability and Collaboration in European Animation
In March 2025, the twin cities of Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy became a vibrant meeting point for animation professionals, institutions, and creatives during the CEE Animation Conference GO! 2025. Held from March 11 to 14 as part of the GO! 2025 European Capital of Culture programme, the event served as a critical space for reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing the animation industry in Central and Eastern Europe. The conference was organized by the CEE Animation association and aimed to strengthen international collaboration in the animation sector, with a particular focus on sustainability and the transnational development of animated projects. Attendees included representatives from film funds, national animation associations, journalists, experts, and daily visitors, altogether contributing to a dynamic exchange of knowledge and strategies. Antonios Vlassis from the University of Liège, presented research findings from the REBOOT project, funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. His presentation focused on insights from a recent survey (WP4) conducted among EU-based film professionals, examining how they perceive the competitiveness of the European Film Industry (EFI) in both European and global markets. The results shed light on professionals’ concerns and aspirations within a rapidly changing technological landscape and explored how policy can play a supportive role in strengthening Europe’s audiovisual sector. The conference welcomed 16 representatives from film funds, 17 national animated film association delegates, 15 guest speakers and experts, 3 journalists, and 10 daily guests. It also featured joint sessions with 37 talents and experts from the CEE Animation Workshop and 11 participants from the REACT Animation Lab, fostering rich cross-programme interactions. More information about the programme is available here
