12.09.2011

... AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

Fantoche 2011 is already history! It was wonderful to see you all and we are thrilled that so many of you flocked to Fantoche and turned Baden into a pulsating Mecca of animated film for six days. Fantoche is growing and growing and once again, we set a new visitor record: we sold more than 34,000 tickets to our cinemas, exhibitions, talks and podium speeches and we've received lots of great feedback. Many thanks to you all!

The crowning glory of Fantoche 2011 once again was, of course, the awards ceremony. We can finally tell all those who weren't able to be there the names of our winners:

Awards “International Competition”
Best Film: “The External World” – David OReilly, DE 2010
High Risk: “Two” – Steven Subotnick, US 2011
New Talent: “Chroniques de la poisse” – Osman Cerfon, FR 2010
Best Sound: “Amar” – Isabel Herguera, ES 2010
Best Visual: “Amar” – Isabel Herguera, ES 2010
Best Story: “Tord och Tord” – Niki Lindroth von Bahr, SE 2010
NAB-Public Award: “Bon voyage” – Fabio Friedli, CH 2011

Awards “Swiss Competition”
Best Swiss: “Bon voyage” – Fabio Friedli, CH 2011
High Swiss Risk: “Logged In” – Stephanie Cuérel, Joshua Schaub, CH 2010
Special Mention 1: “Le carrousel atomique” – Xavier Ducry, CH 2011
Special Mention 2: “Romance” – Georges Schwizgebel, CH 2011
Public Award: “Borderline” – Dustin Rees, CH 2011

Awards “Best Kids”
Best Kids: “Fluffy Mc Cloud” – Conor Finnegan, IE 2010
Children's Public Award: “Fluffy Mc Cloud” – Conor Finnegan, IE 2010

We would like to congratulate them and raise a glass to our winners!

10.09.2011

FANTOCHE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR SUNDAY AT THE FESTIVAL:

Fantoche – as long as possible!
As many feature films as possible as the Festival draws to a close! On Sunday at Fantoche, you will have another opportunity to find out what animated feature film production has to offer. From the classic anime “Kari-gurashi no Arietti” to the homage to the fabulous Japanese comic artist, Yoshihiro Tatsumi. From the adventurous expedition in Algeria that we embark on with the comic adaptation “Le chat du rabbin” to a journey to the moon with Estonian filmmaker Mati Kütt in “Sky Song”. We end our feature film trip of discovery with an airy flight for the whole family – above the rooftops of Paris in the company of Dino the tomcat from “Une vie de chat”. There's something for everyone. We wish you lots of fun!
More about the Feature Film Programme

Fantoche in brief
Short and sweet: In two competition entry shows from the Swiss competition, we showcase Swiss animated films one last time. We think they've got lots to offer! Swiss animated film is in fine form and once again, this year there were some fabulous achievements. If you would like to meet our animated filmmakers in person, be sure to join “Meet the Swiss Artists” at 12 noon for film talks at the Merkker.

Fantoche Best of 2011
At a quarter to nine, the time will be upon us! We will be announcing the winners of this year's competitions and show you the “Best of Fantoche 2011”. Hurry up and bag yourself the last tickets!

Fantoche last chance
Get the most out of the final Festival day! From 22.00, we're meeting at the Merkker Lounge to celebrate our best talents. It would be great if you could all join us!

09.09.2011

FANTOCHE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR SATURDAY AT THE FESTIVAL:

Fantoche gets real
Anyone who until now has failed to catch our special theme “Animated Documentary Film” will have one last chance over the weekend at Fantoche! It's a last opportunity to see all the programme events again: Four AniDoc Feature Films, five Short Film Programmes and of course our Exhibitions. All events champion reality in their own way. Our hot tip for anyone wanting to know more about this most technically challenging discipline would be to visit the “AniDoc Talks”. Here, experts and animated filmmakers present multifaceted variations and showcase the real potential of animated documentary film production. The crowning glory of these intriguing discussions is the preview presented by Iranian artist, Akram Sartakhti, where we also invite you to join us for an aperitif.

Fantoche urban
This is a real action-thriller! The mercilessly exciting 3D thriller “The Prodigies” seduces us with spectacular staging in the big city jungle of New York where five child prodigies fear for their lives. Afterwards, in the “Making-of”, director Antoine Charreyron lets us in on the secrets of the creative process and his ambitious film project. A unique opportunity!

Fantoche dances! – Full Motion Animation
What is Saturday night without sound or partying? Come along to the Merkker and celebrate with us!

Fantoche is almost over
Make sure you get the most out of the last few days, as Fantoche 2011 is coming to a close already!

08.09.2011

FANTOCHE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR FRIDAY AT THE FESTIVAL:

Fantoche lost in nature
Have you ever been to the vast and dense forests of the North? If not, then “The Great Bear” is a must see! Only then will you know what it means to be lost in the labyrinth of a legendary northern forest. “The Great Bear” is an enthralling adventure for the whole family. Danish director, Esben Toft Jacobsen comes all the way from Denmark to explain in the “Making-of” section of the film how his hit feature film debut was created. Hear about his fascinating background and how he previously worked as an illustrator and computer games animator.

Fantoche game fever
On Friday at the Festival, game fever erupts at Fantoche! International specialists contemplate the distinction between reality and fiction in “Game Talks”. They also reveal how creative and multifaceted digital games can simulate life and mix invention with factual reality. Find out more about the guest speakers here.

If you fancy trying out a bit of “gaming” yourself then visit our two exhibitions dedicated to the Swiss Game scene. Fantoche visitors are privileged to be the first to test Swiss game creations, funded as part of the “Call for Projects: Swiss Games”. The games are ready and waiting to be played at the Tumbler, Festival Centre. The exhibition “Swiss Game Design” also presents top designers and their projects. Our top tips: Come along and have a go!

Fantoche greets Phil Mulloy
He is a master of provocation and the grotesque: we are delighted to welcome Phil Mulloy to Fantoche! The world-renowned British animated filmmaker is not only showcasing his latest feature film “Goodbye Mister Christie”, a wonderfully bizarre melodrama, but also lets us discover the full spectrum and wealth of his film-making with a Showcase. Not to be missed!

Fantoche – at the heart of things!
It's brilliant that so many animated film fans are visiting us – we'd like to say a big thank-you to everyone!

07.09.2011

FANTOCHE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR THURSDAY AT THE FESTIVAL:

Fantoche Made in Switzerland
In recent years Fantoche has hosted many guest countries from around the world to promote international exchanges. In 2011, we will be concentrating on the domestic scene, turning our attention instead to the Swiss animated film scene where film production is in a creative and highly productive phase. That's a good enough reason to pause for a moment and arrange for several influential personalities from the Swiss film scene and representatives of supporting institutions to meet up at Fantoche. Short talks and podium discussions highlight the debate on new potential and smart visions for the future.

At the next private book viewing, “animation.ch: Variety and Vision in Swiss Animated Film”, a publication with an in-depth account of the last 20 years of Swiss animated film production is finally revealed. For all those who find this too theoretical, we recommend the two short film blocks “animation.ch” where we bring together the crème de la crème of Swiss animated film.

Fantoche international
There's no need to worry! Fantoche is and remains international, searching all corners of the globe for the latest gems of the animated film world. On Thursday, these gems are presented in three programmes from the “International Competition”. Whether it's breathtakingly beautiful, super risky, visionary or polarizing – our choices feature everything that's great, promising or thrilling about film!

Fantoche dances – RAAAAAAAAAAHH!
After the debates, discussions and long hours in front of the screen, later in the evenings we return to the heart of Switzerland! Our animated film group will get up and invite you to dance. Come along to the Merkker and boogie all night long!
Fantoche chills & dances

Fantoche – at the heart of things!
You'll hear more from us tomorrow – we're on the ball!

06.09.2011

FANTOCHE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR WEDNESDAY AT THE FESTIVAL:

Fantoche for Kids & Teens
Wednesday at Fantoche is a paradise for children and families. So grab the opportunity and bring your youngsters, grandchildren, nephews and nieces along to Fantoche. At 12.00 we will be showing “A Cat in Paris” (from 7 yrs.) – a fabulous adventure film for all the family. Then, it's straight on with the “Shorts for Kids” programmes, which are specially designed for our young and even younger animated film fans, who can decide the children's audience prize for the third year.

All teenagers should listen up! Not only have we got some fantastic feature films for you, but for the first time also a dedicated short film programme with the latest “Tricks for Teens”. Just click on the programme links and enjoy discovering the incredible choice!

Fantoche for experts
Our “Coming Soon” sections give experts and connoisseurs the chance to look ahead and find out which promising new projects are in the pipeline. On Wednesday afternoon, Sam and Fred Guillaume, the animated filmmakers from western Switzerland, will be presenting an exclusive glimpse of their latest short film production “La nuit de l'Ours”. Straight afterwards, Swiss producer Nicolas Burlet and French documentary filmmaker Laurent Boileau will introduce the creative process for their feature film project “Approved for Adoption”.

On Thursday, you can hear about more future films in the “Coming Soon” presentations by Helena Bulaja and Jakub Dvorsky of Amanita Design.

Fantoche en miniature
This show is legendary: Volker Gerling's flipbook animations bring photographs of people to life. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the poetic magician will be on the road in Baden with his flipbook animations. On Wednesday and Friday evening, he will bring his pictures to life at the Teatro Palino.
Thank you to the Figura Theaterfestival in Baden for enabling us to attract this great cinema 'en miniature' to Fantoche.

Fantoche – at the heart of things!
Tomorrow, we'll offer you more tips and news of highlights here – so prepare for more thrilling updates!

05.09.2011

FANTOCHE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR TUESDAY AT THE FESTIVAL:

On your marks, get set, go! It's here at last! From tomorrow onwards, Baden once again becomes a Mecca for animated film fans. To get you in the mood and prepare you for the six intensive days of the festival, we have compiled a short practical survival kit for newcomers and seasoned festivalgoers.

1. Where do I collect my tickets or festival pass?
If you have yet to purchase your tickets from Starticket, from Tuesday onwards you can also purchase them at the information booth in the Merker Areal, or at the Fantoche cinema ticket offices. It's best to buy tickets for the whole week to avoid disappointment if the cinemas have sold out.
More about

2. It's Tuesday afternoon, and still no films have started. What should I do?
Why not use the opportunity to visit our exhibitions? They introduce you to related domains and you can explore different approaches and points of view. They also feature interesting artists like Yves Noyau, Susana Perrottet and Akram Sarakthi or offer you an opportunity to discover the Swiss game scene.
More about

3. I have spent six hours in the cinema without a break: my eyes are blurry, my stomach is rumbling and I'm really thirsty.
Go straight to the Fantoche restaurant in the inner courtyard of the Merker Areal. There you can order a reasonably priced tasty light snack and meet up with other festivalgoers.
More about

4. It's late, but I want to party for a bit longer or at least have one last drink.
We recommend the Merkker – our festival lounge bar. It's the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine in relaxing surroundings, review the best film images of the day and chill out a bit.
More about

5. I would really like a souvenir of Fantoche.
The well-known comic artist, Kati Rickenbach, and her team will be at the festival for two hours every day creating portraits of Fantoche festival visitors. For a few francs, you can become the proud owner of your own Fantoche portrait. Look around and see if you can find her.

6. I've got the animated film bug and want it to continue at home.
Visit our shop at the Merker Areal and choose from the DVDs available. The shop also has plenty of specialist literature, comics and magazines.
More about

7. I urgently need a birthday present for my godchild, I'd like a Fantoche poster and I also really want a Fantoche T-shirt. Where can I find all these things?
They are all on sale in our shop and you will also find some fabulous and fun gadgets in various price brackets for toddlers, youngsters, young adults and even grown-up godchildren! You can also purchase our fantastic posters and T-shirts here.

Now, it's time for the fun to start! We wish you a glorious week at the Festival!

30.08.2011

ANIMATION MEETS REALITY

Animated film-makers are known for their boundless fantasy and creativity. The key topic at Fantoche 2011, “Animated Documentary Film”, shows that they are just as brilliant when it comes to depicting real events. These experts in film trickery skilfully conquer reality and show that they can produce surprisingly authentic reflections of reality with their new creations. We invite you to discover this exciting phenomenon with a varied programme of short films, feature films, a series of lectures and exhibitions.

 

The journey begins in the Middle East with the war documentary “Waltz with Bashir” (IL 2008), which tells of Ari Folman's personal experiences as an Israeli soldier in the war with Lebanon. In the multi-award winning animated film “Persepolis” (FR/US 2007), Marjane Satrapi tells us the story of her childhood and youth during and after the Islamic revolution in Iran. The highly topical contemporary documentary “The Green Wave” (DE 2010) by Ali Samadi Ahadi continues this tradition and shows the crushing of democratic resistance in Iran in the summer of 2009 with vivid images.

More about the “Anidoc Feature Films”

The exhibition by Iran's Akram Sartakhti is a real gem: 61 years old, housewife, mother, grandmother, and for the last ten years a passionate painter. We present her impressive, self-taught work and show the associated portrait of the artist by Iranian animation film-maker Roksareh Ghaemmaghami, who will be discussing the possibilities of animated documentary film-making together with theoreticians and animators as part of the “AniDoc Talks”.

 

However,“Animated Documentary Films” do not only exist in the Middle East: With Eric Khoo's latest feature film, “Tatsumi” (SG 2011), we stop off in Japan and learn about the life and work of the Japanese comic artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi. We would like to thank Fumetto, the Lucerne International Comix Festival, for the exhibition by gifted observer, artist and illustrator Yves Noyau on the intricacies of the art business. And Swiss-Peruvian artist Susana Perrottet takes us with her on an acoustic search for traces of her childhood in Peru and shows her latest video work and paintings in the Kunstraum Baden.

More about the “Exhibitions”

The grand finale is provided by a trip to visit our own traditions: The five short films in the “Animation Meets Reality” programme not only testify to the diverse expression of the documentary art in animated short films, but also to the significance that this has always had.

Are we promising too much? Come with us on this impressive expedition – no luggage necessary.

23.08.2011

Fantoche makes some noise!

Once again this year, we would like to invite you to come and play with us at the Fantoche Festival. The opportunities are many and varied, but we will be hosting two exhibitions with Swiss Games as part of our themed focus on “Animation & Game Design”. We will also be holding “Game Talks” and showing animated feature films, moving between animation and game design. But first things first:

 

Call for Projects: Swiss Games

Firstly, we can finally reveal the best kept secret and the seven prize winners from the “Call for Projects: Swiss Games”, established jointly by Fantoche and the Swiss cultural foundation Pro Helvetia, the Federal Office of Culture and the SUISA music foundation in the autumn of 2010.

 

We would like to congratulate:

 

-    Dario Hardmeier and Raffaele de Lauretis for “Daina: The Herbarium” (Mac/PC)

-    Florian Faller and Adrian Stutz for “Feist”(Mac/PC)

-    Gerhard Oester of Games2Be for “Jump N Roll” (iPhone/iPod/iPad)

-    Mario von Rickenbach and Michael Burgdorfer for “Krautscape” (Mac/PC)

-    Klaas Kaat for “Macrocosm” (iPhone/iPod/iPad)

-    Samim Winiger and Marc Lauper of Twobeats for “MokMok” (Mac/PC)

-    Reto Senn and Andreas Hüppi of Bitforge for “POP” (iPhone/iPod)

 

The international jury was impressed with the high quality and international level of the Swiss game scene – consolation for all those who were left empty-handed.

More information on the games and the international jury can be found here.

 

The seven winning games can be tried out exclusively in the exhibition “Call for Projects: Swiss Game Selection”. There are also opportunities to play in the parallel exhibition, “Swiss Game Design”. Here, the Swiss cultural foundation Pro Helvetia and the Haus für elektronische Kunst (House of Electronic Arts), Basel, present the most important Swiss contributors from the fields of game development, research and art.

 

Game Talks, Making-ofs and Glimpses of the Future

But that's not enough: This year's “Game Talks” will see international luminaries reflect on the boundaries between reality and fiction and between games and film. Students of animation and game design will meet in the “Inbetween Animation & Game Design” workshop to develop simple games together over the six days of the festival.

Three current feature films will also show that game design and animation are moving closer and closer together all the time: “The Trashmaster” is the first evening animated film, which was developed 100% using the 3D engine from a computer game. The creative heads behind the cinema productions “The Prodigies” and “The Great Bear” also have their roots in animation for computer games. At Fantoche, you can not only watch the films, you can also learn more about the three directors and the way they work in the “Making-ofs”.

 

For all those who are keen to catch a glimpse of the future, we have the Czech mastermind of “Samorost”, Jakub Dvorsky, as our guest: In a “Coming Soon” feature, he will present “Botanicula”, the latest stroke of genius from Amanita Design.

 

That's surely enough to make every gamer's heart beat faster! Come and play with us at Fantoche, we're looking forward to seeing you.

16.08.2011

LONG FILMS FOR A SHORT BREAK

Bye-bye, boredom, and sayonara, sodden summer! What those fickle weather gods are up to need no longer bother you, because with the feature film programme from Fantoche you'll soon be able to feast for hours – no, make that days – on the sumptuous visual banquet our animators are laying on. This year as usual, sleeper hits will be giving audience moneyspinners a run for their money, and for many of the films, Fantoche is the only place you can see them in Switzerland. Whether you're an action junkie, a fairytale fan, an anime addict or a lover of the experimental and the bizarre, there's something here for everyone.

We're especially proud to be presenting the Swiss premiere of the brand new 3D thriller “The Prodigies” (2011). This spectacularly executed and relentlessly suspenseful story takes us to New York's Central Park, where five teenagers are left in fear of their lives. If the film leaves you hungry to know how this action flick was put together, get yourself down to the “Making-of”, where director Antoine Charreyron will be offering a glimpse into the making of this monumental 3D computer animation creation.

Esben Toft Jacobsen, director of “The Great Bear” (2011), will also be visiting us at Fantoche, and will be appearing at a “Making-of” to talk about the production of the latest film fairytale from Danish creative studio Copenhagen Bombay. Children and grown-ups alike will be mesmerised by this breathtaking parable on the co-existence of humans and nature.

For another helping of animal magic, check out Joann Sfar's “Le chat du rabbin” (2009), where what is probably the savviest velvet-pawed schemer in all of Algiers goes on an incredible journey with the Rabbi Sfar and his friends. Then there's Dino the tomcat, leading a perilous and adventurous double life among the rooftops of Paris in Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli's “Une vie de chat” (2010). Two fabulous stories that are not just for cat lovers!

Anime fans can enjoy the latest production from the Ghibli studio, “Kari-gurashi no Arietti”, and for those already in the know, as well as the adventurous among you, the two well-known independent animated filmmakers Phil Mulloy and Mati Kütt will be bringing their latest animated feature films to Fantoche.

But it's best if you have a look at the programme yourself and snap up the sought-after tickets before it's too late! www.fantoche.ch is directly linked to the Starticket ticketing system, so you can make your selection and get those tickets bought quickly and conveniently.

08.08.2011

ADVANCE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE – PROGRAMME ONLINE!

It's here! Advance tickets are now on sale and the full festival programme for Fantoche 2011 is now available online at www.fantoche.ch. Cause for a little celebration for all those who've been champing at the bit to plunge yet again into the sparkling sea of animated films. 205 Short films, 12 feature films, five exhibitions, a host of brilliant guests, talks, lectures and presentations – take it from us, there's plenty to discover.

Like the entries in this year's competitions, for instance: out of 992 submissions, 70 films from all corners of the globe have qualified for our competitions. 28 films from 20 countries have made it into the “International Competition”, the “Swiss Competition” boasts 22 films, and we'll be screening 28 films from 20 countries in the “Best Kids” competition – a tantalising mix, and a whole world of creativity, imagination, energy and prowess! Dear animated film-makers, we love your films, and we raise our hats to everyone who's made it over this first hurdle. Our three Swiss film-makers, Basil Vogt, Fabio Friedli and George Schwizgebel, deserve a special mention: their latest offerings have made the grade and will be lining up against the cream of the crop in the “International Competition”. Bravo!

But enough about the numbers – let the fun begin. Click into the new programme right now and be the first to reserve your tickets, to make sure your seats are waiting for you when the time comes! www.fantoche.ch has a direct link to the Starticket ticketing system, so you can make your selection with ease and buy your tickets in a flash.

02.08.2011

FANTOCHE IN MOTION – TRAILER ONLINE!

Check it out, everyone – our new trailer has arrived! A clear sign that Fantoche is limbering up for its next outing, and the Festival will soon have Baden rocking again. From 6 to 11 September 2011, it's Fantoche time again, and you'll be able to step inside our cinemas for another refreshing dip in the vast ocean of animated film.

 

In the run-up to the big event, the little pink characters created by François Chalet will be running the show. For Fantoche 2011, the universally acclaimed animator has made his pink figures dance. We're very grateful to him and also to Mathias Vetter (Sound), and delighted with the wonderful and inspiring collaboration. But it's best if you just click on www.fantoche.ch and check out this year's trailer for yourself.

And if you keep your eyes peeled afterwards, you'll also see our little mascot popping up in cinemas, railway stations and on TV, to remind you that advance ticket sales will be available via Starticket from 8 August 2011. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the summer and plenty of sunshine – we'll be in touch again soon!

 

More on François Chalet

More on Mathias Vetter

22.06.2011

Fantoche breaks its own record!

Fantoche has surpassed itself this year, and has easily beaten its own all-time high.

A massive 992 films from all over the world have come to battle it out for the privilege of being among the best of the current animated short films. Never before in its history, even in the record years when the Festival was held once every two years, has Fantoche achieved figures of this kind. Overwhelmed and proud, we are now handing all the films over to our selection team, which is even now settling down in front of the screens to begin the unenviable task of picking the winners. Come to the next Fantoche and see for yourself what animated delights are on offer with this year's crop of films.

 

The 2011 selection team: Int. Competition & Swiss Competition

More on the competitions

22.06.2011

Programme highlights Fantoche 2011

The themes for Fantoche 2011 have been set. Once again, it will be a festival full of gems, highlights and insider tips.

In addition to a fantastic programme of feature films in 2D and 3D, Fantoche will be looking into the truth of animated images, and we'll be devoting a wide-ranging programme segment to the art of the animated documentary film. Wonderful finds are already guaranteed.

Fans of games and the like will find something special at Fantoche 2011 as well – we're sticking with the theme, and this year we'll be showing what Switzerland has to offer. Speaking of Switzerland, our country's animated film industry is currently going through what is arguably its most creative, productive and ambitious phase. Reason enough to put the spotlight on the crème de la crème of our home-grown cartoon treats, and discuss visions for the future of Switzerland's animated film industry at the same time.

 

More on the 2011 programme

03.05.2011

ATTENTION ALL PRODUCERS OF ANIMATED FILMS: THE COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED!

Don't forget: You only have until 31 May 2011 to submit your entries for Fantoche's International Competition. Enter your latest animated film on time and play in the league with the best.

 

Fantoche is on the look-out for the world's best animated short films from the last 14 months. Artistically daring ideas, visionary experiments, stories with a twist or films that provide top-quality entertainment are being sought, whether produced by newcomers, young talents or established filmmakers. All Swiss film productions are automatically entered into the Swiss Competition.

Films that implement all types of animated film techniques can be entered for both competitions, including the combination of live action and animated film. Films must last no longer than forty minutes and must have been completed since 31 March 2010.

 

More information on the selection team for both competitions and the various prizes which the international jury will be awarding in September can be found on our website:

International Competition

Swiss Competition

 

Register your film here – don't miss out!

18.04.2011

“CALL FOR PROJECTS: SWISS GAMES” – 36 new Swiss game projects!

The “Call for Projects: Swiss Games” was called “Let's play together”, and lo and behold, we now have 36 new Swiss computer games.

We were looking for innovation, artistic merit and an international standard. The demands placed on the Swiss games developers were very high and the required level of professionalism was exacting. The four project partners – Fantoche, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Federal Office for Culture and the SUISA Foundation for Music – are all the more delighted with the enthusiastic participation in the initiative, and are sending the submitted prototypes on to the next round.

This means that at the beginning of May, our international jury of celebrity figures will meet, appraise, discuss and decide. The jury has a total sum of 300,000 CHF to allocate, and they are permitted to award a maximum of 50,000 CHF per project. The SUISA Foundation for Music is providing an additional 15,000 CHF for the best original sound composition.

We're keeping our fingers crossed for all the entrants who responded to the “Call for Projects: Swiss Games”, and look forward to presenting the award-winning games at the next Fantoche, running from 6 to 11 September 2011.

The jury

The international jury is made up of five industry luminaries, whom the project partners have been able to bring on board to select the grant awardees:

Guillaume de Fondaumière, France, Jury Chairman – Chairman of the European Games Developer Federation, co-CEO of Quantic Dream, producer of “Fahrenheit” and “Heavy Rain”

Kellee Santiago, USA – President of game design firm thatgamecompany, developer of the multi-award-winning online games “Flow” and “Cloud”

Frédéric Guillaume, Switzerland – animation filmmaker, producer and co-owner of the Cinémagination studio

Inga von Staden, Germany – Director of the Interactive Media degree programme at the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy, member of the programme advisory board of the FMX conference on animation, special effects, games and interactive media, Stuttgart

Diego Baldenweg, Switzerland/Australia – film music composer, co-owner of Great Garbo Music, which has won multiple prizes for film score

More on the members of the jury

17.03.2011

Fantoche on Facebook

Fantoche is also on Facebook.  Like it?  Have a look!
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15.02.2011

LAST CALL! – “CALL FOR PROJECTS: SWISS GAMES”

Don't miss out! The closing date for the “Call for Projects: Swiss Games” is 15 March 2011!

Please hurry and submit your latest computer games. In autumn 2010, in collaboration with the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, the Federal Office of Culture and the SUISA Foundation for Music, Fantoche launched the first call for Swiss computer games. Awards for projects are worth a total of CHF 300'000.

Online registration and further information about the competition can be found on our website.

15.02.2011

CALL FOR ENTRIES – FANTOCHE OPENS THE 2011 COMPETITION!

Seeking innovations in animated film

Fantoche will be holding its “International Competition” for the ninth time and is searching for the best animated short films from the last 12 months from all over the world. Artistically daring ideas, visionary experiments, stories with a twist and the best, top-quality entertainment are being sought, whether produced by newcomers, young talent or established filmmakers. This allows Fantoche to once again feel the pulse of the latest trends from the world of animated film. These will be judged by the international jury and the audience during the festival from 6 – 11 September 2011.

Sights set on Swiss animated films

All Swiss film productions are automatically entered in the “Swiss Competition” too. Swiss film is in the spotlight and is also presented in an international context. Swiss filmmakers are eligible for three prizes, awarded by an international jury and an interested audience. The Swiss Competition was extremely popular at Fantoche 2010.

Closing date for entries and online registration

The closing date is 31 May 2011. Further information about the competitions, rules and online registration  are at www.fantoche.ch.

We are looking forward to seeing your films!

22.11.2010

Swiss Games wanted – The competition is open!

Let's play together! For once, we're not looking for the latest animated films – no, today we're opening a competition for the development of computer games.

For a long time, Fantoche has been interested in the crossover between animation and game design. Now, together with our partners, we have a fantastic opportunity to promote the development of games of high artistic quality.

In collaboration with the cultural foundation Pro Helvetia, Switzerland's Federal Office of Culture and the SUISA Foundation for Music, Fantoche is launching the first call for proposals for Swiss computer games. The “Call for Projects: Swiss Games” is now open, and you can submit your games using the application tool at www.fantoche.ch. The deadline for submissions is 15 March 2011 – a playable prototype of your game must be ready by that date.

The scheme seeks to promote unreleased projects of a high standard, with artistic merit and strong distribution potential. We are interested in creations of any kind from the field of computer games that are bold enough to take a chance on innovative game concepts, tell interactive stories, and use jaw-dropping graphics to push open doors to new visual worlds. And if creative people from a variety of different disciplines team up to break new ground together – all the better.

The “Call for Projects: Swiss Games” is aimed exclusively at games developers in or from Switzerland. A jury of international experts will award grants of up to CHF 50,000.– per project – for this first award of grants in 2011, a framework credit arrangement for a total of CHF 300,000.– will be available. The SUISA Foundation for Music is donating an additional CHF 15,000.– as a prize for the best original sound composition.

The Swiss games which are awarded grants will be presented to the public in a special exhibition at Fantoche 2011. Further details on the “Call for Projects: Swiss Games” information on the eligibility requirements, and the competition rules can be found at www.fantoche.ch.

We look forward to receiving your entries!