Still: Panda Bear in Africa - Karsten Kiilerich & Richard Claus

Panda Bear in Africa** will celebrate its world premiere in the Animovie Kids section. It follows young panda bear Pang, who makes the momentous decision to bring back his kidnapped best friend Jielong the dragon, all the way from Africa. The film is directed by Karsten Kiilerich & Richard Claus, who also produced the film through his production company Cool Beans (sales: Cinema Management Group International). SEE NL interviewed Claus about their vibrant feature animation, before heading to Stuttgart.

Two Dutch short films are partaking in the festival's International Competition. The Miracle* by Nienke Deutz (NL co-prod. Kepler Film) is one of them. A festival favorite that had its international premiere at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, followed by selections and awards at festivals throughout the world. Previous to Annecy, SEE NL spoke to Nienke Deutz about her film that follows Irma, who is confronted with herself at an all-inclusive resort for families. Sales are handled by Miyu Distribution.

The second short in this competition is Israeli-Dutch co-production Swimming With Wings* (Valk Productions). The film by Daphna Awadish world premiered at Ottawa International Animation Festival where it received an honorable mention. Further festival selections include DOKLeipzig, Anima in Brussels, New York International Children's Festival & Kaboom. It is a short animated documentary exploring the immigration experience through the eyes of a little Israeli girl learning how to swim with clothes on in the Netherlands. Festival distribution is done by Studio Wasa, sales handled by SND Films.

Christa Moesker's Soup*, which is produced by Happy Ship, has been selected for the special programme Trickstar Nature Kids & Family of ITFS 2024.

In the Tricks For Kids section are Swop – episode BASSIE by Job, Joris and Marieke (prod. Viking Film) and The Fantastic Flying Competition by John Croezen (prod. Bereslim).

The Deer, directed by Baran Sedighian Bidgoli and produced by St. Joost School of Art and Design, is part of the Student Competition.

Finally, out of competition, in the Animation meets Reality: Best of AniDoc section, is I Love Hooligans by Jan-Dirk Bouw (prod. SeriousFilm).

Find out more about Trickfilm International Animated Film Festival here.

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*Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund
**Film is supported by the Production Incentive