Biennial of Animation Bratislava (Bienále animácie Bratislava)

Biennial of Animation Bratislava

Bienále animácie Bratislava

Also known as: BAB, Bratislava Animation Biennial
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Biennial of Animation Bratislava (BAB) focuses on animated films for children and young audiences, with a particular interest in the relationship between animation and illustration. Organized by BIBIANA, the International House of Art for Children, it combines an international film competition with retrospectives, filmmaker profiles, exhibitions and practical animation workshops. Its history begins with screenings accompanying the Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava in 1985; it holds international film festival status from 1991.

Children vote for their own audience award, while the International Forum examines the links between illustration, animation and media education. Screenings also reach schools and cinemas beyond Bratislava. The dates for the 18th edition are 12–18 October 2026 in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Country

Slovakia

Focus

Animation, For Kids

Categories

Animation, Feature, Short

Awards and prizes

The festival presents the Viktor Kubal Award for best film, UNICEF Award for a film addressing children’s rights, St. Vojtech Award for a film from a Visegrad country, ECFA Award for a European animated short, Children’s Audience Award and Our Planet Award for environmental themes. The Literary Fund premium recognizes Slovak animation. The Prix Klingsor honors lifetime achievement in animation for children, and the Albín Brunovský Honorary Medal recognizes exceptional contributions to animation.

Festival rules

The 2026 competition accepts animated films and films containing animation. Categories cover short animation for children up to 12, short animation for young people up to 18, feature animation for children and young people, and Junior films made by children. Shorts may run up to 30 minutes; features must run at least 65 minutes. Films must be no more than two years old. Junior filmmakers must be under 15. Films previously entered in the competition are ineligible. Entries are registered through FilmFreeway and require a synopsis and a still. Selected films screen without a fee, cannot be withdrawn after official selection and are archived by BAB. Awarded films may be used for noncommercial educational Best of BAB screenings. Promotional excerpts may run up to 30 seconds.

Contacts

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