18/04/2006

Seventy-three films from over 20 countries are in the running for the Golden Horseman (worth €60,000) at Dresden’s 18th International Festival For Animation and Short Film, which is taking place from April 18-23 in the city’s Metropolis cinema.

The vast majority of countries represented are European, along with approximately 30 German films featuring in national and international competition. The competition includes, among others, no less than eight titles from Spain, seven from France, six from the UK and five from Sweden, all of outstanding quality. Festival Director Robin Mallick said he was particularly impressed by the 1,800 submissions received. "In the 18 years the festival has been running, we have never received so many submissions," he said.

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The 20,000 filmgoers expected (in contrast to last year's low figures) – the record-breaking attendance of 30,000 after the fall of the Berlin wall in 1990 yet to be beaten – will also have the chance to discover, out of competition, almost 150 films presented in the following twelve sections: Experimental Reality, From Baikonur to Norilsk, Photo Film, Regional Focus – Saxony, Sushi Express, German Institute for Animation Film (DIAF), Short Films for Clever Kids, 8 and Above, British Focus (Love is just a fantasy?), Dresden Europe in Shorts 12 – The best short films from Eastern Europe, Prix UIP, A Short Laugh in GDR Everyday Life.

(Translated from French)