Three Annie Award Nominations for Our Graduates
Three of our student's diploma films have made it onto the list of nominees for the Annie Award in the category "Best Student Film": PEAR GARDEN, POLLIWOG, and TURMSPRINGER. Here, you'll find key information about the films—and the creative minds behind them.
PEAR GARDEN
In PEAR GARDEN, six-year-old Lili visits her grandmother, and is upset and confused about her grandmother's appearance, who has just had a mastectomy. During the night, as Lili sees her grandmother's shadow - that still has breasts - get up and leave through the window, she follows the shadow into the garden.
The 2D animated short film's creator is Shadab Shayegan, who earned her Filmakademie Diploma in 2024. For her, it's the animation style that makes PEAR GARDEN special. To find a visual language that works for a film that is about a child, but not for children, had been a challenge.
POLLIWOG
Julia Skala's diploma film POLLIWOG follows ten-year-old Marlene, who struggles to accept her early pubecent, changing body. She feels all alone with her embarrasing problem - until she discovers an oddly developed tadpole, that she can weirdly identify with.
While Julia worked as director and art director on the film, Max Pollmann took on the role as producer. They wanted to create a story that shows young people that they are not alone with their feelings. POLLIWOG was designed to feel like a warm, comforting hug.
TURMSPRINGER
TURMSPRINGER, the diploma project by director Oscar Bittner, tells the story of Tuan and Felix, who have been inseparable since early childhood. As they train to become Olympic high divers, however, their budding love for each other suffers under the weight of the competition. Professional sport is a harsh business, especially when they face off against each other at the Olympic Games.
In their film, director Oscar and producer Andra Berila show how relationships can suffer as soon as personal gain and success becomes the priority. Instead, it is much more important to enjoy the present with the people you love.
Watch an interview with the director here!
