SYAA 2026: Growing together
The 6th edition of the SYAA Workshop took place between March 8–14, 2026 in Bucharest, bringing together 11 participants from all eight eligible countries for an intensive week dedicated to developing animated film projects. The workshop combined hands-on script and project development sessions, group work and
tailored feedback in a safe and supportive environment, under the guidance of group leaders Katarzyna Gromadzka and Raluca Mănescu. Their thoughtful and gentle mentoring approach once again proved essential in creating a space where participants could articulate their ideas with confidence and grow individually and collectively.
This year’s edition was hosted by the National Museum of Romanian Literature (MNLR), whose welcoming setting offered the perfect conditions for focused work. Theo Pârvu returned for the fourth time to guide participants through the complexities of legal frameworks in the film industry.
A key direction for SYAA continues to be community building, responding to a still loosely structured national animation landscape where opportunities for collective gathering remain limited. This year, the workshop expanded its public-facing dimension through a series of open events. One of the highlights was Mélody Boulissière’s masterclass on transitioning from short film to series, organized in partnership with PRO TV and Voyo. Hosted at the Goethe-Institut, the event drew a large audience and was followed by an over 40-minutes-long Q&A session.
Another public event was the screening of “Spaces of Resonance”, curated by Tricky Women Tricky Realities Festival. It was presented by filmmaker Karin Fisslthaler, whose work was also featured in the programme. The screening and especially the talk afterwards reinforced the value of direct contact between the artists and the audience. The presence of Karin Fisslthaler was made possible with the generous support of the Austrian Cultural Forum, further underlining the role of partnerships in strengthening international connections.
The schedule included the traditional studio visit to Studioset, where participants gained first-hand insight into the inner workings of an animation studio and
production house. It was an opportunity for the participants to better understand how a studio navigates the balance between commercial projects and author-driven works, an increasingly relevant model for emerging filmmakers seeking sustainability without compromising artistic voice.
Another important step toward building a strong and vibrant community was the meeting with the SYAA alumni. Now at its third edition, this event takes advantage of the growing group of SYAA members (over 60 across all editions) and creates a space for meaningful personal and professional connections. This year 14 alumni joined current participants for a series of one-on-one meetings.
Finally, another highlight was the public presentation of the participants’ projects, hosted by the Goethe-Institut in front of a full house. With SYAA alumni, students and established film professionals in attendance, the event became a space for dialogue and building new connections, but also for celebrating the work of this year’s participants.
In line with this vision, SYAA is also expanding opportunities for participants to engage with the wider European animation scene. Starting this year, all participants benefit from free accreditation to partner festivals including Anifilm, Animafest Zagreb, Fest Anca, Animateka (members of the Animation Festival Network), as well as Animest Chișinău in Moldova and Linoleum Festival in Ukraine. This gesture, though modest, carries an important message: we recognize their potential, support their growth and encourage their active presence within the industry. At its core, SYAA remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment. The results are visible in the projects developed and, most importantly, in the confidence participants gain to claim their voice. As the workshop continues to evolve, its direction becomes ever clearer: to build a community of filmmakers who are aware of their talent and agency and who are equipped to demand and occupy their place at the table.
SYAA is organised by Animest and the Animation Festival Network, co-financed by Eurimages and Creative Europe MEDIA, with the support of PRO TV, VOYO,
Goethe-Institut, UNATC “I.L.Caragiale”, Austrian Cultural Forum, Tricky Women / Tricky Realities and Studioset; Hosted by the National Literature Museum; Fuelled by KAFUNE