This year, CINANIMA will present an animated video created by a team of students from the Animation Club School, who threw themselves heart and soul into this challenge. Combining their first professional experiences, favourite clips and team spirit, the result is a teaser that reflects not only the identity of our festival, but also the friendship and dedication of those who brought it to life.
First professional experience
For many, the project represented a real ‘trial by fire’. “It was very interesting and educational to work on this project. It was my first experience as a composit artist. , said Ilya. Arina, concept artist and character designer, also felt the adrenaline rush: ‘It was my first team project, very dynamic and fun.’
Dominika, an animator, recalls the beginning: ‘At first it was scary, but then I got into the swing of things and loved working on this project.’ Melaniia Kaliian, director and animator, highlighted the collective effort: ‘It was amazing to work with such a dedicated team of students. Everyone gave their best to create the teaser.’
The magic of seeing the film come to life
Some of the students did not hide their delight in following each stage of the process. ‘It was inspiring to see the initial ideas transform into the final film,’ said Maggie, who served as project manager, director and animator. Eugenia Parkhimovich, producer of Animation Club School, described the experience poetically: ‘It seemed as if the project already existed and we were just the guides.’
For Mónica Marinho, director and animator, the biggest challenge was creative: ‘Incorporating the sponsors without turning it into an advert – and still mentioning the humour of CINANIMA and the soul of Espinho’.
Mentor and director of Animation Club School, Edward Kurczewski, summed up the impact: ‘We had a strong and diverse team of students who had never worked together before, and this project brought them together as a collective.’
Clips that stuck in the memory
If choosing a favourite clip were a competition, there would be no consensus. Ilya was struck by the characters diving into the pool, while Arina chose the moment representing the renowned Espinho Fair, ‘full of colour, with the vendor and the cat Ketchup’.
Edward smiled with the spontaneity of a dolphin: ‘I love it when he interrupts another character just to say “hello” on television.’ Melaniia preferred the cheeky dolphin: ‘It shows the contrast between the protagonist’s shyness and the boldness of his art.’
Dominika remained faithful to her personal efforts: ‘My favourite clips are the ones I animated myself.’ Maggie highlighted the small details, especially ‘the sign language interpreter added at the last minute.’
And for Mónica, it is impossible to choose just one: ‘I love diving into the Piscina Solário Atlântico, the party at Doo Bop and the interview with the interpreter.’ Eugenia, for her part, refused to choose: ‘All the clips are pieces of a lovely puzzle.’
The generous spirit of CINANIMA
What everyone took away from the process was more than just technique: it was a spirit of community. ‘The festival has a brilliant and generous soul, made up of the people, the participants and the community,’ said Eugenia. For Edward, it was a cultural discovery: ‘It was exciting to represent the festival and its spirit through the stories of the organisers and the people of Espinho.’
When, in November, audiences take their seats in the cinemas of Espinho, they will see much more than a teaser from partners: they will see the reflection of the passion, humour and creativity of a new generation that has already begun to write the future of animation.
