Cartoon d’Or

Promoting the talents of European animation

The Cartoon d’Or is the pan-European award for the best animated short film of the year. Granted by CARTOON - the European Association of Animation Film with the support of the MEDIA Programme, it rewards the best of the best since only prize-winning films from the major European festivals can compete.

Amongst this short list, a jury of international experts selects five finalists and a winner. The Cartoon d’Or is annually awarded in September during the Cartoon Forum, the forum for the co-production, financing and distribution of European animation for TV and new media. The purpose of the Cartoon d’Or is to act as a pipeline between short film makers and the industry, and to help talented directors start a new project.

Launched in 1991, the first Cartoon d’Or went to British director Nick Park, still unknown at the time, for his film “Creatures Comforts”. Other great names have followed, such as Sylvain Chomet, Jacques-Rémy Girerd, Mark Baker, Michael Dudok De Wit and Joanna Quinn.

A Family Portrait - UK, 2009, Joseph Pierce, 5’

A family portrait goes horribly wrong as jealousy and suspicion bubble to the surface under the photographer’s relentless gaze. As the session reaches a disturbing conclusion, it’s clear that this truly will be a day to remember.

Crocodile - Estonia, 2009, Kaspar Jancis, 17’

A former opera star must by the will of Fate work as a crocodile in a styrofoam costume entertaining children in the playroom of a shopping centre. This kind of life seems joyless and even disgusting to the former leading tenor, and he vents his frustration by behaving rudely. Until one day, into his life enters a fateful woman and… a crocodile.

Logorama - France, 2009, François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy & Ludovic Houplain, 16’

Spectacular car chases, an intense hostage crisis, wild animals rampaging through the city, and even more in “Logorama”!

Angry Man - Norway, 2009, Anita Killi, 20’

“Angry Man” is a film about secrets that shouldn’t be secret. When the mommy-fish dies, Boj has had enough, and gets power from his own fantasy to go further.

The Tale of Little Puppetboy - Sweden, 2008, Johannes Nyholm, 18’

Puppetboy is sweating floods of clay, preparing for a lady’s visit. He gets even more nervous when she arrives.