Budapest Metropolitan University Represented at One of the World's Premier Animation Events

Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) is proud to be among the institutions representing Hungary at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, one of the most prestigious animation events in the world, taking place in France from 8 to 14 June 2025. This year, Hungary is the official guest country, a recognition that celebrates the nation’s rich animation heritage and dynamic contemporary scene. As part of this prominent international appearance, METU is contributing significantly across various festival platforms.

Among the festival’s official selections, Gábor Ulrich, METU lecturer, will present his latest short film Capriccio in the Off-Limits section, which highlights avant-garde and experimental works.

Two former METU students will also be featured in the music video showcase, one of the festival’s highlighted genres:

1. Together, a master's degree graduation film by Kata Fodor
2. Re, directed by Balázs Simon (a 2014 graduate), set to a track by Nils Frahm

As part of the Hungarian retrospective programme, curated by the National Film Institute – Film Archive, two diploma films by METU alumni will be screened:

1. Balcony by Dávid Dell’Edera
2. Jacques’ Rampage by Máté Horesnyi

In addition, past works by METU lecturers László Csáki, Gábor Ulrich, and Áron Gauder will also be included in the programme.

The Art by Friends gallery in Annecy will host a visual arts exhibition showcasing works by emerging Hungarian animation artists, including METU graduates.

Further strengthening METU’s presence, two professionals affiliated with the university will serve on the student jury evaluating the Perspectives section, dedicated to emerging animation talent: current student Máté Józsa and alumnus Máté Horesnyi.

METU will also be actively involved in MIFA (Marché international du film d’animation), the festival’s professional marketplace, where Hungary is again the featured country. The university’s contributions to MIFA include:

1. A presentation of METU’s animation showreel and selected film excerpts at the Hungarian national stand
2. An introduction to the university’s educational strategy for animation
3. Participation by METU lecturer Melinda Kiss in a roundtable discussion titled “Prestige vs Paycheck: Educating Animation’s Next Generation”

Áron Gauder, a METU lecturer and acclaimed director, will serve as the patron of the Hungarian delegation at MIFA, and will also lead a masterclass during the event.

Reflecting on this remarkable opportunity, Melinda Kiss, associate professor and head of the Animation and Media Design Department at METU, stated:



“It is a great joy that this year, Hungarian animation is placed in the spotlight at one of the world’s most important animation festivals. With its strong legacy and contemporary achievements, it rightfully belongs among the global leaders in the field. We are honoured that METU can be part of this rich and diverse professional programme representing Hungarian animation on the international stage.”