11th IAFF Animocje 2022

Clashes of Coexistence

As most of you already know, the International Animated Film Festival ANIMOCJE has become an integral part of the Spring of Festivals put together by the city of Bydgoszcz which this year is organized under the “Each One Different, All Equal” motto. This is no coincidence, since here, at the MCK Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz, more than ever before we are now focused on people – their rights, freedoms and the possibility to be true to oneself and live in harmony with each other.

Interestingly, just after the 10th edition of our festival came to an end, our team decided that the main idea behind this year's ANIMOCJE would be COEXIST. The world looked a bit different then, so maybe it was due to the often underestimated subconscious coming to play, or maybe it was just the strength of our faith in people? Indeed, we have always focused on human beings and their coexistence. Let's consider our mascot, Barbara the Octopus. Octopuses are among the most intelligent animals in the world, and animals accompany us every day of our lives. Therefore, they serve as a kind of inspiration for us. And rightly so, since animals do not plot against one another for the sheer pleasure of it, they do not fight wars, they do not form conspiracies. Animals act upon instinct, and although every day they fight for survival, they manage to coexist. Such coexistence is what we focus on this year, and you will find it reflected in our program. And it's definitely not like we came up with this slogan just because it sounds nice, neat and strong (although, let's face it, it definitely does). We truly believe that coexistence is possible. Moreover, we intend to prove it to you via animation. Both short and long films; the lighthearted ones, colored with humor and the more serious pieces, showing the real face of this world.

Therefore, the program of this year's ANIMOCJE will be filled with clashes related to human sexuality, those between old age and youth, nature and man, the real world and the imaginary one. Finally, there will be clashes between people, including those related to race, religion, property and worldview. Yes, we know, it sounds serious and we admit it will be so, at times. We can't help but get the impression that, to a large extent, jokes are passée these days. Fortunately, not all of them, which is why many festival films will be filled with humor. It's just like oxygen - without it, we die, period. Can you also see that one more aspect of the above mentioned coexistence has come to the fore at this point? And it's not like we're trying to push it – far from it. We really believe in it and we want you to believe in it, too. So why don't you just go ahead and give a try? It might just turn out that this kind of 'lifestyle' suits you like no other... It sure suits Barbara.

Be like Barbara - coexist!