​​SYAA Alumnae Shine at the 20th Edition of Animest Festival

The 20th edition of the Animest Bucharest International Animation Film Festival marked two decades of creativity, community, and innovation in animation — and SYAA alumnae were among the most visible and celebrated contributors to this landmark year.

A standout moment came from Mihaela Mîndru, whose graduation film was screened in the Student Competition and awarded Best International Student Film by the jury composed of Dahee Jeong, Valentin Maupin and Olga Bobrowska. In parallel, Mihaela is also developing her first professional short, I Was Born Under This Tree, the project she first presented during SYAA, now continuing its journey in the Rise & Shine program. Her success illustrates the strong connection between the creative development initiated at SYAA and the professional recognition that follows.

Foto: The jury announcing the Best Student Film Award at Animest.20’s Closing Gala ©Claudiu Popescu

Another festival favorite was Adina Oana Enache, whose short film An Explosive Love Story was featured in both the Student Competition and Erotica sections. Considering that all Erotica screenings were sold out and ranked among the highest-rated events of the festival, it is an even more impressive success for an up-and-coming filmmaker unafraid to explore bold and emotional storytelling.

SYAA alumnae Alina Gheorghe and Mire Raicu took part in “Pitch, Please!”, Animest’s project development program for emerging creators. Mire continued developing the project she first initiated during SYAA, “Running Out of Time”, while Alina participated with her first professional film. Both filmmakers received the Black Sea Animation Workshop Award, granting them access to further training in Sofia, Bulgaria, this November, with acclaimed producers Corinne Destombes (Folimage) and Olivier Catherin.

Foto: Mire Raicu pitching her latest project, “Running Out Of Time”. ©Larisa Baltă

In addition to pitching, Alina Gheorghe also presented an experimental short film in the Romanian Competition, Speechless Exchange, alongside Iulia Teodora Turicianu’s Triassic Cuddle — both films showcasing the diversity and strength of Romanian animation today.

Corina Bojan represented SYAA in the Music Video Competition with her latest animation project, while Ana Maria Iuteș worked as an animator on another music video, Disappear by Reason and Impulse, that received a Special Mention for a Music Video. Their work highlighted the creative intersections nurtured by SYAA alumni.

Another noteworthy presence was Patricia Ortiz, who worked as animator and puppet maker for the children’s feature film Tales from the Magic Garden, which received a Special Mention for a Feature Film. Her contribution to the film underlined the craft and dedication that define SYAA-trained professionals working in stop-motion and puppet animation.

SYAA’s contribution to Animest extended beyond screenings and awards. Two alumnae were part of the festival’s educational programs as mentors: Anna Florea led the “Animate the Festival!” intensive workshop for teenagers, while Nicoleta Miron guided younger participants through the children’s animation workshops, inspiring the next generation of animators.

Meanwhile, Cristina Pîrvu and Anna Florea also appeared as speakers in a Creative Europe MEDIA panel, where they discussed their experiences in MEDIA-supported training programs and European collaboration opportunities.

From international awards to mentoring roles, SYAA alumnae made their presence felt across every corner of Animest’s 20th anniversary edition — a vibrant testament to the program’s impact in shaping creative, confident, and connected animation professionals. Their achievements reflect SYAA’s broader mission: to empower and support female and non-binary voices in animation, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative industry for the future.