ANIMAFEST ZAGREB 2009 - Much Sweeter The Second Time Around
When Nik and I accepted our invitation to attend the 19th edition of the World Festival of Animated Film in Zagreb, Croatia I was curious to see if they had learned from their mistakes and had returned Animafest to its former place as one of the most prestigious animation festivals in the world. I had been very critical of the festival the year before when a new, younger, inexperienced staff replaced long time Festival Director Margit Anatauer, affectionately known as Buba. I am very happy to report that Animafest Zagreb has regained its place of honor.
Animafest 2009 did everything right and then some. The premiere screenings were held in the beautiful old Kino Europa with on stage interviews for all animators who were present. Animators were given hospitality for the entire festival, not just for three day as happened last year, and there were daily interviews with animators, directors and film guests. Igor Prassel conducted them at the French Cutural Institute and they were well attended. Igor knows how to ask the right questions and then give the interviewee space to answer, while keeping the conversation on track.