The city of Peja/Pec is once again buzzing with creativity as the 17th edition of the Anibar International Animation Festival is underway, bringing together filmmakers, artists, young creators and animation enthusiasts from across the Western Balkans, Europe and beyond. Over seven days, the festival is showcasing hundreds of animated films, masterclasses, exhibitions, discussions and cultural events, further cementing Anibar’s reputation as one of the region’s leading festivals dedicated to animation, artistic expression and cultural dialogue.
Much more than a celebration of animated film, Anibar has become a platform where creativity meets social engagement, youth activism and regional cooperation. By connecting emerging talents with internationally acclaimed artists and creating opportunities for learning, collaboration and cultural exchange, the festival continues to strengthen the Western Balkans’ creative scene.
“We have made an important contribution to the local cultural scene, both through the content we produce and the structures, ideas and opportunities we have created within the animation community”, says Vullnet Sanaja, founder of Anibar Animation Festival and added “As a youth-led organisation, we have also contributed to Kosovo’s independent cultural scene by approaching events and activities differently. This has given us the freedom to experiment, challenge existing barriers and remain open to new ideas and opportunities. We have helped bring greater attention to Kosovo and Peja/Pec by building connections with international artists, organisations and audiences, while encouraging people to visit and return to the city.”
This vision is shared by the European Union, whose support through the project “Fostering Sustainable Partnerships and Dialogue: Arts and Culture Collaboration between Kosovo and Serbia”, helps create opportunities for young people, promotes intercultural dialogue and encourages closer cooperation across the region through culture and the creative industries.
“This support has helped us strengthen the festival’s international connections, develop artistic productions and address wider cultural and social issues. These initiatives have included projects promoting the better use of public spaces through European best practices, as well as a recent project bringing artists from Kosovo and Serbia together to collaborate and co-produce beyond the divisions of everyday politics”, points out Sanaja.
In cooperation with WeBalkans, the festival organised three workshops for children aged 10 – 14, led by five Young European Ambassadors, alongside a mobile interactive installation featuring games and activities facilitated by the ambassadors and festival guests.
“Facilitating the Anibar Education Department workshop was truly a pleasure. Participants were actively engaged in discussion about the challenges they face in the education system. Even though the workshop session focused just on challenges, they already came up with solutions, showcasing their critical thinking and leadership role. It was inspiring seeing young students recognizing potential for positive change and acting on it”, said Ena Hajdarevic, Young European Ambassador from Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the workshop facilitators.
“If hope had a sound, it would be a room full of children sharing their ideas. This workshop was a proof that education grows best where curiosity is heard and imagination is free”, added Esti Piranej, Young European Ambassador from Albania who was also facilitating the workshops.
Organized with the support of WeBalkans, one of the festival’s highlights was a four-day creative workshop where young participants combined photography, stop-motion animation and storytelling. After capturing unique details around the festival venue, they transformed their photographs into animated scenes using clay, paper cut-outs, drawings and collage, exploring new ways to tell stories through creativity and collaboration.
“Anibar Festival is a strong example of how EU support for culture, the creative industries, education and youth contribute to local development. The festival showcases how creativity, animation, storytelling and civic engagement are helping shape the future of the Western Balkans. Our message to young creative people is: this is about you, your creativity, your ideas and your future. The EU With YOU stands with the next generation of creatives and storytellers”, says Raluca Costache, Team leader of WeBalkans Programme.
More than a festival, Anibar continues to inspire a new generation of young creatives, demonstrating how culture, collaboration and imagination can bring people together across the Western Balkans. With the support of the European Union the festival is creating new opportunities for young people to learn, connect and turn their creative ideas into reality.
Photos by: Anibar
