The National Film and Television School (NFTS) from United Kingdom has confirmed its last year’s title of the best animation school entered at Animafest Zagreb 2023. The selection committee members Daniel Šuljić, Jasminka Bijelić Ljubić and Hana Tintor said the following in their statement:

"This institution whose strategy focuses on equality, diversity and inclusion, again proves this with this year’s production presented at Animafest.

The selection of submitted entries reflects a diversity of techniques, both visual and animation, a thematic variety, an interesting approach to cinematic soundscape and its coexistence with animation.

The films are generally well directed, classically structured, narrating film tales easily understood by viewers. They are easily immersive in the authors’ ideas, they stimulate reflection even after the film is over, which makes a lasting impression of the kind we as selection committee members, and audience in general, would like to feel in the works of creative film talents.

The authors do not shy away from humour, quite the contrary. Unimposing, occasionally skilfully camouflaged in serious topics, it emerges at the right moment as a welcome refreshment.

The NFTS in this year’s selection of carefully picked, submitted and selected films takes a viewer across the worlds of present and future times, both analogue and digital, both entertaining and serious! It strikes a balance between all these categories, offering something for everyone, and posing this selection committee the hard and unrewarding task of deciding which of these films should be left out of this year’s competition.

This award pays tribute to mentors and associates alike. In a symbiosis with the authors, they mirror the beauty of team work, without denying the authors a chance to express their creativity and individuality and to present them successfully in an artistic or industry sphere."

The Best Animation School Award will be presented to Robert Bradbrook, Head of animation at NFTS, at the official opening ceremony of the World Festival of Animated Film - Animafest Zagreb 2023.