“Cosmonauts” Wins the Animest.21 Trophy and Audience Award / “There Was a Park Here” Enters the Oscar Race

The short film “Cosmonauts,” a Slovenia-Italy co-production directed by Leo Černic, won the Animest.21 Trophy at the closing gala of the Animest International Animation Film Festival, held in Bucharest. The film also received the Audience Award, based on viewers’ votes.

The grand prize makes the production eligible for a potential nomination at the Academy Awards, with Animest having been, since 2017, the only film festival in Romania to hold this status. The jury praised the film’s strength and humor, as well as the way it explores the human need for connection.

The Romanian Competition Award, which also allows entry into the Oscar race, went to the manifesto film “There Was a Park Here,” created by the Animators for IOR collective. The production also received the Green Sheep Badge distinction.

In the feature film category, the award went to the Brazilian film “Son of a Bitch.” “Taming Phenomena” won the international student competition, while the animated documentary “Doug + Me” received the Anidoc Award.

The festival’s 21st edition took place over 10 days, from October 2 to 11, and included more than 320 productions and over 80 international guests. The next edition will take place from October 8 to 17, 2027.