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Competitions

The competitions are the heart of the festival, with over 60,000 euros in prize money awarded each year. In this way, we support artistic animated film and the next generation of talent in the industry. The ITFS is also an international meeting place: by inviting filmmakers, we bring the animation community together in Stuttgart and facilitate exchange and the development of future projects.

Film Competitions

Our competitions showcase international short films (up to 30 minutes in length) as well as exciting feature-length films that are rarely shown in cinemas. Following a pre-selection process for all submitted films in autumn, the pre-selection juries put together the final programme for the festival week.

At the grand awards ceremony during the ITFS, our juries finally select the winners. Several prizes are awarded in each competition category, sponsored by our partners from the region. But it doesn’t end with the festival: the festival’s best films travel the world as part of the Animation Tour in three short film programmes.

Call for Entries

Submissions for ITFS 2027 have started!

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Short Films

ITFS International Competition

The very best short films from around the world – socially relevant, personal and innovative. Award-worthy: the ITFS is an Oscar-qualifying festival. The winner of the Grand Prix in the ITFS International Competition automatically qualifies for the Academy Award longlist in Los Angeles.

Short Films

ITFS Student Competition

Powerful, creative and intense: short films by students from international film and art colleges. Fresh perspectives meet experimental imagery – with courage and a great deal of creativity, trends and techniques are put to the test. The films not only offer inspiration for young people; established industry professionals also take away new experiences and ideas from the cinema.

 

Short Films

ITFS Tricks for Kids Competition

Magical short films for all animation fans, from nursery and primary school children to teenagers. The films reflect the realities of children’s lives, show us their world and are simply fun. Films in other languages are translated live into German.

Short Films

ITFS Trickstar Nature Award

These short films are more provocative and relevant than ever. We are confronted with environmental issues, our way of life, how nature reacts to the damaging impact of human activity, and whether the planet will ever recover. Sometimes sombre, sometimes hilariously funny. Here, injustices are exposed and realities are turned upside.

Feature-Length Films

ITFS AniMovie Competition

Our feature-length films offer over 60 minutes of cinematic entertainment. Immerse yourself in stories whose narratives and imagery captivate you and won’t let you go. Gain new experiences – a treat for the eyes, ears and heart.

Project Competitions

Animation isn’t limited to films – it’s a brilliant tool not only for entertainment but also for imparting knowledge and learning, and is used in explanatory videos and in the world of science. That’s why, with our project competitions, we also recognise games, animation projects and business models.

Animated Games Award Germany

Every year, the ITFS recognises outstanding artistic creativity in the field of animated games. The nominated games can be played for free in the GameZone.

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Trickstar Business Award

The Trickstar Business Award recognises the best innovative business model for projects or companies in the animation sector. The projects are presented during pitch sessions throughout the festival week.

Meet the People behind the Stories

Screenings of our competition films in the Innenstadtkinos are accompanied by moderated post-screening discussions: if the filmmakers are in attendance, they’ll be on hand in the cinema to answer your questions. In addition, Filmmakers’ Talks take place daily at the Festival Centre: in a relaxed setting, directors and producers discuss their work. Free entry!

For all professionals who wish to delve even deeper into current productions whilst networking, the Insights sessions offer opportunities to meet other filmmakers and shape the future of animated storytelling together.

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Submit & Awards

Winners 2026

Index