Animation Lab Zurich Switzerland
All the documents are to be submitted in ENGLISH. English is the working language of the Animation Lab at the Arab Film Festival Zurich, so a good knowledge of English is required of all the participants.
Please check the eligibility regulations and the required documents at the links below before you start filling out the form.
ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS FOR ANIMATION LAB
- Content Requirements
The content created with the fund must primarily consist of animation - Applicant Eligibility
- The applicant must either be of Arab descent or a Swiss citizen.- Individuals of Arab descent from various countries may be required to present proof of their Arab nationality and citizenship, such as an Arab passport or official documents. - Documentation
Applicants must provide proof of nationality or citizenship, which may include copies of passports, national identity cards, or other official documents. - Content Duration
The duration of the content created with the fund must be at least 65 minutes. - Contractual Obligations
A contract must be concluded with the sponsor of the award - Credits
The logos of AFFZ and the sponsor of the award must be included in the credits of the project - Schedule Adherence
All participants must adhere to the established schedule. - Responsibility for Pitching
Only the director or producer is authorized to pitch the project.
APPLICATION FOR ANIMATION LAB
About
The Animation Lab 2025 is organized by the Arab Film Festival Zurich. This two-day residential event will take place in Zurich from 03 to 04 April 2025, alongside the Arab Film Festival Zurich program.
What to expect
As part of the 7th Arab Film Festival Zurich, an Animation Lab will take place for the first time. This new offering is of great importance as it aims to promote the financing, writing and enriching international exchange of animation film experiences in the Arab world and Switzerland. The Animation Film Lab at the AAFZ comprises two concentrated days during which the production and post-production phases of four carefully selected feature-length animation projects will be advanced. A professional jury will judge the submitted projects; prizes will be awarded in kind by postproduction providers from Switzerland and the Arab world. In addition, a panel event will discuss common and different challenges facing animated filmmaking in Switzerland and Arab countries, which is of particular interest to up-and-coming filmmakers.
This exclusive program aims to serve as a catalyst for networking, cultural exchange, collaboration and funding opportunities, promoting professionalization and creating strong links between animation creators, studios and industry professionals in Switzerland and Arab countries. The lab is organized with the support of the Animation Department of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) and in collaboration with Fantoche and the GSFA, whose Peer2Beer event already provided the first opportunities for informal exchange with Arab guests during the last edition of the AFFZ.
Production companies and filmmakers from the Zurich area and the rest of Switzerland are invited to submit long animated film projects in the production stage and to take part in the discussions and workshops. The Animation Film Lab takes place at the Filmpodium cinema; this event is supported by the Zurich Film Foundation.
Language: The Lab will be conducted in English.