Short and feature films

Short film competition
Short films special programmes
Feature Films Special Programmes
Feature Film Competition
Film programm family & kids

International Competition

The International Competition (IC) is the beating heart of the festival. The best of current animated shorts from around the world are shown in this section. Films are humorous, contemplative, creative, or critical.

IC1: Tue, April 30, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Wed, May 1st, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC2: Wed, May 1st, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC3: Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC4: Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC5: Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Sun, May 5, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC6: Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Sun, May 5, Metropol 2, 2 pm

Young Animation

The Young Animation Competition (YA) shows selected animated short films made by students of international film and art schools. Young animation artistes from 24 countries tell touching stories, create fantastic worlds and open new perspectives.

YA1: Tue, April 30, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Wed, May 1st, Gloria 2, 7 pm
YA2: Wed, May 1st, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Thu, May 2, Gloria 2, 7 pm
YA3: Thu, May 2, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Fri, May 3, Gloria 2, 7 pm
YA4: Fri, May 3, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 7 pm

Tricks for Kids Competition

The Tricks for Kids Competition consists of 2 age-based programmes of selected episodes of the most beautiful, international animated series for children of all ages. Children and their families can look forward to a journey across different continents, full of surprises and discoveries. The attending filmmakers will be glad to tell the audiences about the creation of their stories. For episodes in foreign languages, German voice-over will be provided live in the cinema.

Tricks for Kids 1 (aged 4 or older): Wed, May 1st, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids 2 (aged 5 or older): Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids 3 (aged 8 or older): Fri, May 3, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids 4 (aged 7 or older): Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids Preisträgerrolle: Sun, May 5, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm

Panorama

The Panorama section is a showcase for current trends in the international animation scene. Discover creative films, explore recent topics and innovative animation techniques in 4 short film blocks.

Panorama 1: Tue, April 30, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Wed, May 1st, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm
Panorama 2: Wed, May 1st, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm
Panorama 3: Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm
Panorama 4: Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm

Best of Animation

Best of Animation programmes give you the opportunity to see an exclusive selection of the most interesting and remarkable animated films of the 21st century.

Best of Animation 1 – Love, Friendship & Family: Wed, May 1, Gloria 1, 6 pm
Best of Animation 2 – The Joy of Animation: Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 6 pm
Best of Animation 3 – Shaping Life: Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 6 pm
Best of Animation 4 – I Plead Guilty: Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 6 pm

In Persona

In the In Persona programmes, outstanding animators of international renown grant insight into their work and and answer audience questions.

In Persona – Jonathan Hodgson (London): Wed, May 1st, Metropol 2, 8 pm
In Persona – Wong Ping & KongKee (Hong Kong): Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 8:15 pm
In Persona – Ulu Braun (Berlin): Thu, May 2, Gloria 2, 9 pm
In Persona – Max Hattler (Hong Kong): Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 5 pm

Filmmaker-Talks

Filmmaker-Talks: Wed, May 1st – Sun, May 5, Café le Théâtre, each at 1 pm

She blinded me with science

The All Seeing Eye: Wed, May 1st, Metropol 3, 5 pm
Invisible Forces: Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 3 pm
The ABC of Science: Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 7 pm
Imaginative Apparatus: Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 7 pm
Cells, Cells, Cells: Sat, May 4, Metropol 3, 7 pm
Feature film – Das Blumenwunder: Sun, May 5, Metropol 3, 5 pm

Animation around Europe

Join us through a journey of Europe’s animation scene and watch three programmes with selected short films.

Best of Portuguese Animation 1: Wed, May 1st, Metropol 2, 10 pm
Best of Portuguese Animation 2: Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 10 pm
O!PLA – Animation from Poland: Sun, May 5, Metropol 3, 3 pm

The BW-Reel: Best of Baden-Württemberg

As in previous years, the Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film presents the best short films from Baden-Württemberg. See for yourself that animation filmmakers from the region need not shy away from international comparison.

Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 4 pm

Kultnacht 1 – 3

Kultnacht Best Animated Music Videos: Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 10 pm
Kultnacht Brexicuted: Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 10 pm
Anime Kultnacht Aragne: Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 11 pm

Prix Ars Electronica

Prix Ars Electronica honours creations, that takes new ways in animation – wether in art, science, research, developement or industry: Discover the creative spectrum of animation.

Sun, May 5, Metropol 2, 4 pm

Focus Hong Kong

School presentation – Hong Kong School of Creative Media: Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 5 pm
In Persona – Wong Ping & KongKee: Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 6 pm
Hong Kong Animation Selection: Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 8 pm
In Persona – Max Hattler: Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 5 pm
Focus Hong Kong: Fri, May 3, Metropol 2, 10 pm

Animated Com International

Fri, May 3, Gloria 2, 9 pm

Animated Oscars

Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 8 pm

EMILE – European Animation Awards

Sun, May 5, Metropol 1, 5 pm

OPER & ANIMATION: The magic flute

Rens Groot // Netherlands 1991, 165 min.

In 1991, Rens Groot commemorated Mozart’s imaginative dramatic work in the spirit of the Enlightenment in an extraordinary way. During the 1950s already, the Dutch artist combined painting, music and animation in exhilarating short films. However, his animated film on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of “The Magic Flute’s” debut performance provides a completely different dimension. For four years, Groot has drawn and animated 165 film minutes with pastel colours directly under the camera all by himself. In a seismographic and very sensitive way, Groot’s hand followed the multifaceted dynamics and emotions of the opera as well as her world-famous arias of The Queen of the Night and Papageno. Quiet scenes with reduced design encounter lively, shining explosions of colour. The characters and settings fluently change their shape with psychedelic impressions, just like the seemingly good and bad changes in this opera. In addition, there is a short documentary by the grand-son Daan Groot about the animated opera’s work process.

Wed, May 1st, Metropol 3, 7 pm

Das Blumenwunder

Max Reichmann // Germany 1926, 63 min.

The German silent film “Das Blumenwunder” visualized plant movements on a large scale for the first time. The basic material for the time-lapse film made between 1922 and 1925 came from BASF and was originally intended for fertiliser promotion. In combination with dance acts and allegorical scenes performed by the Berlin State Opera’s dance ensemble, the advertising shots were then turned into a cultural film. Dancers headed by Max Terpis mimed the growth of plants. The film premiered on 25.02.1926 at the Piccadilly-Theater in Berlin. Receiving rave review at the time and celebrated by the audience as a huge success, “Das Blumenwunder“ is nowadays considered a rediscovered gem of silent film history.

She Blinded Me With Science – Feature film: Sun, May 5, Metropol 3, 5 pm

Missing Link (Mister Link – Ein fellig verrücktes Abenteuer)

Chris Butler // USA 2019, 95 Min. // German premiere

Sir Lionel Frost regards himself as the world’s leading myths and monsters investigator – however, his colleagues see things differently. To gain the elite explorers’ acceptance at last, Sir Lionel sets off to prove the existence of humankind’s legendary ancestor – the fabled “missing link”. And indeed he is successful: Mister Link is a harmless, clever and sensitive being. As the last of his kind, he is lonely, but hopeful: Distant relatives are rumoured to live at the mystical place “Shangri-La”. Together with Adelina Fortnight, an independent and shrewd adventuress, the three of them go on a turbulent journey. Dangers lurk everywhere:
Villains are trying to impede their mission …

Wed, May 1st, Metropol 1, 8 pm (German language Version)
Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 2 pm (German language Version)

Bilal: A New Breed Of Hero

Khurram H. Alavi, Ayman Jamal // United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabian 2015, 105 min.

Bilal will remember this day all of his life: As a young boy he is galloping his toy horse, dreaming about becoming a great warrior one day. In his dream, dark riders approach the desert village on their snorting horses, hooves beating. A devastating blow of fate hits when the dark riders kill Bilal’s mother, orphaning him and his sister Ghufaira. The children are sold to Umayya, Arabia’s richest slave trader. This nightmare will stay with Bilal for years. But the memory of his mother’s warm voice reminds him again and again that he must be ready to choose his own destiny in order to free himself and his people. The film is based on the life of “Bilal ibn Rabah” the first documented slave in Arabian history to convert to Islam and one of the most loyal companions of the Prophet
Muhammad.

Wed, May 1, Metropol 1, 10 pm

Little Germans

Mohammad Farokhmanesh, Frank Geiger // Germany 2019, 85 min.

An animated story guides us through the documentary: As a child, Elsa played soldier with her granddad. With her right arm extended into the air, she shouted: “For Führer, people and fatherland!” and was really proud of it. Today she looks back at a childhood built on hate and lies, trying to understand what her upbringing has done to herself and her own children. Combining live-action interviews and animation, the film focuses on a widely neglected issue that has become topical with a view to recent right-wing violence: children growing up in an anti-democratic environment and raised according to principles of far-right ideology.

Fri, May 3, Metropol 2, 8 pm

This Magnificent Cake !

Marc James Roels, Emma De Swaef // Belgium 2018, 44 min.

Africa in the late 19th century: “This Magnificent Cake” is a story about five different characters at the time of colonialism: a king in trouble, a middled-aged pygmy working at a luxury hotel, a failed businessman on a jungle expedition, a vanished baggage porter, and a young deserter all hike through Belgian Congo. Each of the characters had his own way of failure – some of them failed at society, some at their own dreams. A stop-motion animation full of melancholic meetings, tragedy and humour…with supporting film: “Oh Willy” (Emma de Swaef, Mac James Roels, Belgium/France 2011, 17 Min.), Grand Prix winner of ITFS 2013.

Wed, May 1st, Gloria 2, 9 pm // Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 9 pm

The Tower

Mats Grorud // Norway, France, Sweden 2018, 76 min.

Beirut, Lebanon – today: Wardi, an eleven-year-old Palestinian girl, lives with her whole family in the refugee camp where she was born. Her beloved great-grandfather Sidi was one of the first people to settle in the camp after being chased from his home back in 1948. The day Sidi gives Wardi the key to his old house back in Galilee, she fears he may have lost hope of going home someday. As she searches for Sidi’s lost hope around the camp, she will collect her family’s testimonies, from one generation to the next. The film’s plot was inspired by the stories of the lives of Palestinian families who Mats Grorud, the director, met during his voluntary work in the refugee camp in Burj el Barajneh in the south of Beirut.

Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 8 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 9 pm

Black is Beltza

Fermín Muguruza // Spain 2018, 86 min. // German premiere

October 1965. Pamplona’s troupe of giant figures, a typical sight at the San Fermín festivities, is invited to parade along Fifth Avenue in New York. But not all of them will be allowed to appear: due to racial discrimination, the American authorities will ban the participation of the two black giants. Based on this true event, “Black Is Beltza” tells the story of Manex, the young man responsible for carrying one of the giants. Embarked on a long, unexpected journey, Manex will witness key events in history: the
race riots arising from the assassination of Malcolm X, the eccentricities of the characters in The Factory, the alliance between the Cuban secret service and the Black Panthers, and the proto-hippy psychedelia of the first music festivals.

Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 8 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 9 pm

© Bunuel in the labyrinth of the turtles

Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles

Salvador Simo Busom // Spain, Netherlands 2018, 84 min. // German premiere

In a stranger-than-fiction tale befitting the master surrealist filmmaker, “Buñuel and the Labyrinth of the Turtles” tells the true story of how Buñuel made his second movie. Paris, 1930. Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel are main figures of the Surrealist movement, but Buñuel is left penniless after a scandal surrounding his second film “L’Age d’Or”. However, his good friend, the sculptor Ramón Acín, buys a lottery ticket with the promise that, if he wins, he will pay for his next film. Incredibly, luck is on their side, the ticket is a winner and so they set out to make the movie. Both a buddy adventure and fascinating episode of cinematic history, “Buñuel and the Labyrinth of the Turtles” utilizes sensitive performances as well as excerpts of Buñuel’s own footage from
the production, to present a deeply affecting and humanistic portrait of an artist hunting for his purpose.

Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 8 pm // Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 10 pm

Ruben Brandt, Collector

Milorad Krstic // Hungary 2018, 94 min.

Ruben Brandt, a famous psychotherapist, is forced to steal 13 paintings from the world’s renowned museums and private collections to prevent his suffering from terrible nightmares he has as a result of subliminal messaging he received as a child. Accompanied by his four patients, he and his band of thieves strike regularly and with great success: the Louvre, Tate, Uffizi, Hermitage, the Museum of Modern Art. “The Collector” quickly becomes the most wanted criminal in the world. Gangsters and headhunters chase him around the world while the reward for his capture keeps rising, approaching a hundred million dollars. A cartel of insurance companies entrusts Mike Kowalski, a private detective and leading expert on art theft, to solve the “Collector Case”.

Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 9 pm // Sun, May 5, Gloria 2, 5 pm

© 2019 Ulysses Filmproduktion, Fabrique d‘Images

Bayala – A Magical Adventure

Aina Järvine // Germany 2019, 80 min. // aged 5 or older // World premiere

The fairy world of Bayala is a country of magic, where various fairy tribes live in different climates in an abundant flora. Huge blossoms and enchanting plants are used for housing and food. The fairies have been living in harmony with the nature. Inside the Flower Palace there is intense activity in preparation of the coronation of the new queen of the sun fairies, Eyela. But the celebration is ill-fated. Since the mighty magical dragons have been vanishing, the power of magic in Bayala has been fading. The magical plants are dying. All of Bayala is in danger. When a dragon egg is found, hope stirs. If the magic dragons return, Bayala can be saved. But for a dragons feast, royals of all fairy tribes are needed. Princess Surah and her companions go on an adventurous journey, which not only leads them into the distant dragon mountains, but also to the dangerous shadow-queen Ophira.

Wed, May 1st, Gloria 1, 4 pm (German voice over)

Dilili in Paris

Michel Ocelot // France, Germany 2018, 95 min. // aged 7 or older // Germany premiere

Paris in the Belle Époque: In the French capital, Dilili sets out on a quest for background information concerning a strange series of girl kidnappings. She is assisted by Orel, a delivery boy who seems to know all the important people of the time personally: from Marie Curie to Marcel Proust, and from Louis Pasteur to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. In the course of their investigations, Dilili and Orel meet plenty of eccentric and unusual characters from all walks of French life, and step by step they get closer to the riddle’s solution… An enchanting fairy tale in between fiction and reality.

Wed, May 1, Metropol 1, 5 pm (German language Version)
Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 4 pm (OV with English subtitles)

MIRAI NO MIRAI

Mamoru Hosoda // Japan 2018, 98 min. // aged 6 or older

Kun is a little boy enjoying a happy childhood until his sister Mirai is born. The more his parents shift their attention to Mirai, the more jealous and withdrawn Kun becomes. He finds refuge in the garden where a magic family tree is growing. Suddenly, Kun is catapulted into a fantastic world where past and present merge. He meets various relatives at different stages of their life: his mother as a little girl, his great-grandfather as a dynamic young man, and his little sister as a teenager. These adventures make Kun discover his own story and change his relationship with his sister.

Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 2 pm (German language version)
Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 4 pm (English language version)

The Angel in the Clock

Miguel Angel Uriegas // Mexico 2017, 90 min. // aged 6 or older // German premiere

A fantastic journey through time! “The Angel in the Clock” tells the story about Amelia, a girl with leukaemia that wants to stop time. As she attempts to do so, she meets Malachi, an angel that lives inside her cuckoo clock. Malachi would take Amelia to the Fields of Time, a fantastic world where hundreds of clock-castles soar the sky, guarding human time on earth. In this world, Amelia would learn to appreciate the importance of “Here” and “Now” and, the wonderful things that the present give us to move forward every day and to fight for what we want the most.

Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 5 pm (German voice over)
Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 4 pm (OV with English subtitles)

Racetime

Benoit Godbout // Canada 2018, 89 min. // aged 5 or older // German premiere

Frankie-Four-Eyes and his team take on the newcomers: the mysterious and conceited Zac and his athletic cousin Charly. The fantastic sled designed by Frankie disintegrates right before crossing the finish line. It is a bitter loss for Frankie who refuses to accept that he might have made some building mistakes. Together with his friends, he manages to prove that Zac cheated during the race. Frankie demands a rematch; which Zac accepts on condition that Frankie builds an entirely new race track. Realizing he is up against a worthy opponent, he raises the stakes more by cornering Frankie into adding a bet. As the two teams prepare
for race day, Zac has no scruples about cheating even more. But Frankie and his team have a few surprises of their own.

Fri, May 3, Metropol 1, 5 pm (German voice over)
Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 2 pm (English OV)

Raven the Little Rascal – Hunt for he Lost Treasure

Verena Fels, Sandor Jesse // Germany 2019, 73 min. // aged 4 or older // World premiere

Raven the little Rascal finds a mysterious treasure map in the attic – drawn by Grandpa Badger just before he disappeared. There is a mysterious legend behind this lost treasure: whoever succeeds in finding it, mastering all the perils and riddles on the way, will be king of the forest. And that’s all Raven always wanted to be – a king. Accompanied by his best friend Eddie-Bear, he embarks on a great adventure. Together with Little Badger and Fritzi the Beaver Girl, the group is lead across canyons and rope bridges high up to the majestic Fog Mountain and into a mystic cave. The Beaver Boys Henry and Arthur are in hot pursuit and will do anything to take the treasure away from the band of friends.

Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 3 pm (German language version)

Pachamama

Juan Antin // Argentina, France 2018, 72 min. // aged 6 or older

16th century – Peruvian mountains: Tepulpaï, a mischievous ten-yearsold, dreams of becoming a Shaman. But according to the great Shaman of his village, the boy still lacks concentration and maturity. Besides, the village has other concerns: the Great Inca is furious that a big part of the last harvest was wasted in offerings, and decides to confiscate the villagers’ sacred statue the Huaca. The Huaca, however, is essential to the Village’s balance, especially now that the signs and omens predict the arrival of invaders from the sea. For Tepulpaï, it is the opportunity to show what he is capable of. He secretly leaves the village, determined to retrieve the statue and save his people. Luckily for him, Tepulpaï won’t go on this quest alone: his friend Naïra has decided to join him, whether he likes it or not…

Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 2 pm (German voice over)
Sun, May 5, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm (English language version)

Short film competition: International Competition
The International Competition (IC) is the beating heart of the festival. The best of current animated shorts from around the world are shown in this section. Films are humorous, contemplative, creative, or critical.
IC1: Tue, April 30, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Wed, May 1st, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC2: Wed, May 1st, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC3: Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC4: Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC5: Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 8 pm // Sun, May 5, Metropol 2, 10 am
IC6: Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Sun, May 5, Metropol 2, 2 pm
Young Animation
The Young Animation Competition (YA) shows selected animated short films made by students of international film and art schools. Young animation artistes from 24 countries tell touching stories, create fantastic worlds and open new perspectives.
YA1: Tue, April 30, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Wed, May 1st, Gloria 2, 7 pm
YA2: Wed, May 1st, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Thu, May 2, Gloria 2, 7 pm
YA3: Thu, May 2, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Fri, May 3, Gloria 2, 7 pm
YA4: Fri, May 3, Gloria 2, 11 pm // Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 7 pm
Tricks for Kids Competition
The Tricks for Kids Competition consists of 2 age-based programmes of selected episodes of the most beautiful, international animated series for children of all ages. Children and their families can look forward to a journey across different continents, full of surprises and discoveries. The attending filmmakers will be glad to tell the audiences about the creation of their stories. For episodes in foreign languages, German voice-over will be provided live in the cinema.
Tricks for Kids 1 (aged 4 or older): Wed, May 1st, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids 2 (aged 5 or older): Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids 3 (aged 8 or older): Fri, May 3, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids 4 (aged 7 or older): Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Tricks for Kids Preisträgerrolle: Sun, May 5, Metropol 1, 2:30 pm
Short films special programmes: Panorama
The Panorama section is a showcase for current trends in the international animation scene. Discover creative films, explore recent topics and innovative animation techniques in 4 short film blocks.
Panorama 1: Tue, April 30, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Wed, May 1st, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm
Panorama 2: Wed, May 1st, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm
Panorama 3: Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm
Panorama 4: Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 10 pm // Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm
Best of Animation
Best of Animation programmes give you the opportunity to see an exclusive selection of the most interesting and remarkable animated films of the 21st century.
Best of Animation 1 – Love, Friendship & Family: Wed, May 1, Gloria 1, 6 pm
Best of Animation 2 – The Joy of Animation: Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 6 pm
Best of Animation 3 – Shaping Life: Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 6 pm
Best of Animation 4 – I Plead Guilty: Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 6 pm
In Persona

In the In Persona programmes, outstanding animators of international renown grant insight into their work and and answer audience questions.
In Persona – Jonathan Hodgson (London): Wed, May 1st, Metropol 2, 8 pm
In Persona – Wong Ping & KongKee (Hong Kong): Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 8:15 pm
In Persona – Ulu Braun (Berlin): Thu, May 2, Gloria 2, 9 pm
In Persona – Max Hattler (Hong Kong): Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 5 pm
Filmmaker-Talks

Filmmaker-Talks: Wed, May 1st – Sun, May 5, Café le Théâtre, each at 1 pm
She blinded me with science

The All Seeing Eye: Wed, May 1st, Metropol 3, 5 pm
Invisible Forces: Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 3 pm
The ABC of Science: Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 7 pm
Imaginative Apparatus: Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 7 pm
Cells, Cells, Cells: Sat, May 4, Metropol 3, 7 pm
Feature film – Das Blumenwunder: Sun, May 5, Metropol 3, 5 pm
Animation around Europe

Join us through a journey of Europe’s animation scene and watch three programmes with selected short films.
Best of Portuguese Animation 1: Wed, May 1st, Metropol 2, 10 pm
Best of Portuguese Animation 2: Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 10 pm
O!PLA – Animation from Poland: Sun, May 5, Metropol 3, 3 pm
The BW-Reel: Best of Baden-Württemberg
As in previous years, the Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film presents the best short films from Baden-Württemberg. See for yourself that animation filmmakers from the region need not shy away from international comparison.
Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 4 pm
Kultnacht 1 – 3
Kultnacht Best Animated Music Videos: Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 10 pm
Kultnacht Brexicuted: Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 10 pm
Anime Kultnacht Aragne: Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 11 pm
Prix Ars Electronica
Prix Ars Electronica honours creations, that takes new ways in animation – wether in art, science, research, developement or industry: Discover the creative spectrum of animation.
Sun, May 5, Metropol 2, 4 pm
Focus Hong Kong
School presentation – Hong Kong School of Creative Media: Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 5 pm
In Persona – Wong Ping & KongKee: Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 6 pm
Hong Kong Animation Selection: Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 8 pm
In Persona – Max Hattler: Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 5 pm
Focus Hong Kong: Fri, May 3, Metropol 2, 10 pm
Animated Com International

Fri, May 3, Gloria 2, 9 pm
Animated Oscars

Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 8 pm
EMILE – European Animation Awards

Sun, May 5, Metropol 1, 5 pm
Feature Films Special Programmes: © The Magic Flute
OPER & ANIMATION: The magic flute
Rens Groot // Netherlands 1991, 165 min.
In 1991, Rens Groot commemorated Mozart’s imaginative dramatic work in the spirit of the Enlightenment in an extraordinary way. During the 1950s already, the Dutch artist combined painting, music and animation in exhilarating short films. However, his animated film on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of “The Magic Flute’s” debut performance provides a completely different dimension. For four years, Groot has drawn and animated 165 film minutes with pastel colours directly under the camera all by himself. In a seismographic and very sensitive way, Groot’s hand followed the multifaceted dynamics and emotions of the opera as well as her world-famous arias of The Queen of the Night and Papageno. Quiet scenes with reduced design encounter lively, shining explosions of colour. The characters and settings fluently change their shape with psychedelic impressions, just like the seemingly good and bad changes in this opera. In addition, there is a short documentary by the grand-son Daan Groot about the animated opera’s work process.
Wed, May 1st, Metropol 3, 7 pm
© Absolut Medien
Das Blumenwunder
Max Reichmann // Germany 1926, 63 min.
The German silent film “Das Blumenwunder” visualized plant movements on a large scale for the first time. The basic material for the time-lapse film made between 1922 and 1925 came from BASF and was originally intended for fertiliser promotion. In combination with dance acts and allegorical scenes performed by the Berlin State Opera’s dance ensemble, the advertising shots were then turned into a cultural film. Dancers headed by Max Terpis mimed the growth of plants. The film premiered on 25.02.1926 at the Piccadilly-Theater in Berlin. Receiving rave review at the time and celebrated by the audience as a huge success, “Das Blumenwunder“ is nowadays considered a rediscovered gem of silent film history.
She Blinded Me With Science – Feature film: Sun, May 5, Metropol 3, 5 pm
© 2019 eOne Germany
Missing Link (Mister Link – Ein fellig verrücktes Abenteuer)
Chris Butler // USA 2019, 95 Min. // German premiere
Sir Lionel Frost regards himself as the world’s leading myths and monsters investigator – however, his colleagues see things differently. To gain the elite explorers’ acceptance at last, Sir Lionel sets off to prove the existence of humankind’s legendary ancestor – the fabled “missing link”. And indeed he is successful: Mister Link is a harmless, clever and sensitive being. As the last of his kind, he is lonely, but hopeful: Distant relatives are rumoured to live at the mystical place “Shangri-La”. Together with Adelina Fortnight, an independent and shrewd adventuress, the three of them go on a turbulent journey. Dangers lurk everywhere:
Villains are trying to impede their mission …
Wed, May 1st, Metropol 1, 8 pm (German language Version)
Thu, May 2, Metropol 2, 2 pm (German language Version)
©Bilal
Bilal: A New Breed Of Hero
Khurram H. Alavi, Ayman Jamal // United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabian 2015, 105 min.
Bilal will remember this day all of his life: As a young boy he is galloping his toy horse, dreaming about becoming a great warrior one day. In his dream, dark riders approach the desert village on their snorting horses, hooves beating. A devastating blow of fate hits when the dark riders kill Bilal’s mother, orphaning him and his sister Ghufaira. The children are sold to Umayya, Arabia’s richest slave trader. This nightmare will stay with Bilal for years. But the memory of his mother’s warm voice reminds him again and again that he must be ready to choose his own destiny in order to free himself and his people. The film is based on the life of “Bilal ibn Rabah” the first documented slave in Arabian history to convert to Islam and one of the most loyal companions of the Prophet
Muhammad.
Wed, May 1, Metropol 1, 10 pm
Die kleine Elsa salutiert
Little Germans
Mohammad Farokhmanesh, Frank Geiger // Germany 2019, 85 min.
An animated story guides us through the documentary: As a child, Elsa played soldier with her granddad. With her right arm extended into the air, she shouted: “For Führer, people and fatherland!” and was really proud of it. Today she looks back at a childhood built on hate and lies, trying to understand what her upbringing has done to herself and her own children. Combining live-action interviews and animation, the film focuses on a widely neglected issue that has become topical with a view to recent right-wing violence: children growing up in an anti-democratic environment and raised according to principles of far-right ideology.
Fri, May 3, Metropol 2, 8 pm
Feature Film Competition: © This Magnificent Cake !
This Magnificent Cake !
Marc James Roels, Emma De Swaef // Belgium 2018, 44 min.
Africa in the late 19th century: “This Magnificent Cake” is a story about five different characters at the time of colonialism: a king in trouble, a middled-aged pygmy working at a luxury hotel, a failed businessman on a jungle expedition, a vanished baggage porter, and a young deserter all hike through Belgian Congo. Each of the characters had his own way of failure – some of them failed at society, some at their own dreams. A stop-motion animation full of melancholic meetings, tragedy and humour…with supporting film: “Oh Willy” (Emma de Swaef, Mac James Roels, Belgium/France 2011, 17 Min.), Grand Prix winner of ITFS 2013.
Wed, May 1st, Gloria 2, 9 pm // Thu, May 2, Metropol 3, 9 pm
©The Tower
The Tower
Mats Grorud // Norway, France, Sweden 2018, 76 min.
Beirut, Lebanon – today: Wardi, an eleven-year-old Palestinian girl, lives with her whole family in the refugee camp where she was born. Her beloved great-grandfather Sidi was one of the first people to settle in the camp after being chased from his home back in 1948. The day Sidi gives Wardi the key to his old house back in Galilee, she fears he may have lost hope of going home someday. As she searches for Sidi’s lost hope around the camp, she will collect her family’s testimonies, from one generation to the next. The film’s plot was inspired by the stories of the lives of Palestinian families who Mats Grorud, the director, met during his voluntary work in the refugee camp in Burj el Barajneh in the south of Beirut.
Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 8 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 9 pm
© Black is Beltza
Black is Beltza
Fermín Muguruza // Spain 2018, 86 min. // German premiere
October 1965. Pamplona’s troupe of giant figures, a typical sight at the San Fermín festivities, is invited to parade along Fifth Avenue in New York. But not all of them will be allowed to appear: due to racial discrimination, the American authorities will ban the participation of the two black giants. Based on this true event, “Black Is Beltza” tells the story of Manex, the young man responsible for carrying one of the giants. Embarked on a long, unexpected journey, Manex will witness key events in history: the
race riots arising from the assassination of Malcolm X, the eccentricities of the characters in The Factory, the alliance between the Cuban secret service and the Black Panthers, and the proto-hippy psychedelia of the first music festivals.
Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 8 pm // Fri, May 3, Metropol 3, 9 pm
© Bunuel in the labyrinth of the turtles
Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles
Salvador Simo Busom // Spain, Netherlands 2018, 84 min. // German premiere
In a stranger-than-fiction tale befitting the master surrealist filmmaker, “Buñuel and the Labyrinth of the Turtles” tells the true story of how Buñuel made his second movie. Paris, 1930. Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel are main figures of the Surrealist movement, but Buñuel is left penniless after a scandal surrounding his second film “L’Age d’Or”. However, his good friend, the sculptor Ramón Acín, buys a lottery ticket with the promise that, if he wins, he will pay for his next film. Incredibly, luck is on their side, the ticket is a winner and so they set out to make the movie. Both a buddy adventure and fascinating episode of cinematic history, “Buñuel and the Labyrinth of the Turtles” utilizes sensitive performances as well as excerpts of Buñuel’s own footage from
the production, to present a deeply affecting and humanistic portrait of an artist hunting for his purpose.
Sat, May 4, Metropol 1, 8 pm // Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 10 pm
© Ruben Brandt, Collector
Ruben Brandt, Collector
Milorad Krstic // Hungary 2018, 94 min.
Ruben Brandt, a famous psychotherapist, is forced to steal 13 paintings from the world’s renowned museums and private collections to prevent his suffering from terrible nightmares he has as a result of subliminal messaging he received as a child. Accompanied by his four patients, he and his band of thieves strike regularly and with great success: the Louvre, Tate, Uffizi, Hermitage, the Museum of Modern Art. “The Collector” quickly becomes the most wanted criminal in the world. Gangsters and headhunters chase him around the world while the reward for his capture keeps rising, approaching a hundred million dollars. A cartel of insurance companies entrusts Mike Kowalski, a private detective and leading expert on art theft, to solve the “Collector Case”.
Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 9 pm // Sun, May 5, Gloria 2, 5 pm
Film programm family & kids: © 2019 Ulysses Filmproduktion, Fabrique d‘Images
Bayala – A Magical Adventure
Aina Järvine // Germany 2019, 80 min. // aged 5 or older // World premiere
The fairy world of Bayala is a country of magic, where various fairy tribes live in different climates in an abundant flora. Huge blossoms and enchanting plants are used for housing and food. The fairies have been living in harmony with the nature. Inside the Flower Palace there is intense activity in preparation of the coronation of the new queen of the sun fairies, Eyela. But the celebration is ill-fated. Since the mighty magical dragons have been vanishing, the power of magic in Bayala has been fading. The magical plants are dying. All of Bayala is in danger. When a dragon egg is found, hope stirs. If the magic dragons return, Bayala can be saved. But for a dragons feast, royals of all fairy tribes are needed. Princess Surah and her companions go on an adventurous journey, which not only leads them into the distant dragon mountains, but also to the dangerous shadow-queen Ophira.
Wed, May 1st, Gloria 1, 4 pm (German voice over)
© Dilili à Paris
Dilili in Paris
Michel Ocelot // France, Germany 2018, 95 min. // aged 7 or older // Germany premiere
Paris in the Belle Époque: In the French capital, Dilili sets out on a quest for background information concerning a strange series of girl kidnappings. She is assisted by Orel, a delivery boy who seems to know all the important people of the time personally: from Marie Curie to Marcel Proust, and from Louis Pasteur to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. In the course of their investigations, Dilili and Orel meet plenty of eccentric and unusual characters from all walks of French life, and step by step they get closer to the riddle’s solution… An enchanting fairy tale in between fiction and reality.
Wed, May 1, Metropol 1, 5 pm (German language Version)
Thu, May 2, Gloria 1, 4 pm (OV with English subtitles)
© 2018 STUDIO CHIZU
MIRAI NO MIRAI
Mamoru Hosoda // Japan 2018, 98 min. // aged 6 or older
Kun is a little boy enjoying a happy childhood until his sister Mirai is born. The more his parents shift their attention to Mirai, the more jealous and withdrawn Kun becomes. He finds refuge in the garden where a magic family tree is growing. Suddenly, Kun is catapulted into a fantastic world where past and present merge. He meets various relatives at different stages of their life: his mother as a little girl, his great-grandfather as a dynamic young man, and his little sister as a teenager. These adventures make Kun discover his own story and change his relationship with his sister.
Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 2 pm (German language version)
Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 4 pm (English language version)
© The Angel in the Clock
The Angel in the Clock
Miguel Angel Uriegas // Mexico 2017, 90 min. // aged 6 or older // German premiere
A fantastic journey through time! “The Angel in the Clock” tells the story about Amelia, a girl with leukaemia that wants to stop time. As she attempts to do so, she meets Malachi, an angel that lives inside her cuckoo clock. Malachi would take Amelia to the Fields of Time, a fantastic world where hundreds of clock-castles soar the sky, guarding human time on earth. In this world, Amelia would learn to appreciate the importance of “Here” and “Now” and, the wonderful things that the present give us to move forward every day and to fight for what we want the most.
Thu, May 2, Metropol 1, 5 pm (German voice over)
Fri, May 3, Gloria 1, 4 pm (OV with English subtitles)
© Racetime
Racetime
Benoit Godbout // Canada 2018, 89 min. // aged 5 or older // German premiere
Frankie-Four-Eyes and his team take on the newcomers: the mysterious and conceited Zac and his athletic cousin Charly. The fantastic sled designed by Frankie disintegrates right before crossing the finish line. It is a bitter loss for Frankie who refuses to accept that he might have made some building mistakes. Together with his friends, he manages to prove that Zac cheated during the race. Frankie demands a rematch; which Zac accepts on condition that Frankie builds an entirely new race track. Realizing he is up against a worthy opponent, he raises the stakes more by cornering Frankie into adding a bet. As the two teams prepare
for race day, Zac has no scruples about cheating even more. But Frankie and his team have a few surprises of their own.
Fri, May 3, Metropol 1, 5 pm (German voice over)
Sat, May 4, Gloria 1, 2 pm (English OV)
© Rabe Socke
Raven the Little Rascal – Hunt for he Lost Treasure
Verena Fels, Sandor Jesse // Germany 2019, 73 min. // aged 4 or older // World premiere
Raven the little Rascal finds a mysterious treasure map in the attic – drawn by Grandpa Badger just before he disappeared. There is a mysterious legend behind this lost treasure: whoever succeeds in finding it, mastering all the perils and riddles on the way, will be king of the forest. And that’s all Raven always wanted to be – a king. Accompanied by his best friend Eddie-Bear, he embarks on a great adventure. Together with Little Badger and Fritzi the Beaver Girl, the group is lead across canyons and rope bridges high up to the majestic Fog Mountain and into a mystic cave. The Beaver Boys Henry and Arthur are in hot pursuit and will do anything to take the treasure away from the band of friends.
Sat, May 4, Gloria 2, 3 pm (German language version)
© Pachamama
Pachamama
Juan Antin // Argentina, France 2018, 72 min. // aged 6 or older
16th century – Peruvian mountains: Tepulpaï, a mischievous ten-yearsold, dreams of becoming a Shaman. But according to the great Shaman of his village, the boy still lacks concentration and maturity. Besides, the village has other concerns: the Great Inca is furious that a big part of the last harvest was wasted in offerings, and decides to confiscate the villagers’ sacred statue the Huaca. The Huaca, however, is essential to the Village’s balance, especially now that the signs and omens predict the arrival of invaders from the sea. For Tepulpaï, it is the opportunity to show what he is capable of. He secretly leaves the village, determined to retrieve the statue and save his people. Luckily for him, Tepulpaï won’t go on this quest alone: his friend Naïra has decided to join him, whether he likes it or not…
Sat, May 4, Metropol 2, 2 pm (German voice over)
Sun, May 5, Metropol 1, 12:30 pm (English language version)