The 2025 Fredrikstad Animation Festival has come to a close in the history-drenched Norwegian city, wrapping up days of screenings, filmmaker conversations and creative exchange across the Nordic-Baltic region and beyond. The FAF 2025 Award Winners were announced during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 25:
Grand Prix
The Night Boots
Dir: Pierre-Luc Granjon
France, 2024
Jury statement: A magical journey into a child’s inner world at night, in search of monsters but finding friendship and comfort.
Audience Award
Voi and Destroy
Dir: William Picot, Simen Hindenes, Magnus Myren, William Opdal
Norway, 2025
Best Nordic–Baltic Short Film
Kafka. In Love
Dir: Zane Oborenko
Czech Republic, Latvia, 2024
Jury statement: Visceral portrayal of a writer’s inner life and turmoil which astonished the jury with its beauty and craftsmanship.
Best Nordic-Baltic Feature Film
Dog of God
Dir: Lauris Abele, Raitis Abele
Latvia, U.S.A., 2025
Jury statement: The award goes to a bold and brave film that forces its audience to endure a story of excess and abuse of power. It pushes boundaries – both ours as audience and the expectations of animation. We hope this film can infect the Nordic-Baltic animation landscape. It’s a film that makes no compromises and refuses to please its audience. Through medieval horror comedy, the film mirrors uncomfortable questions we are facing today.
Special Mention – Feature Film
Fleak
Dir: Jens Møller
Finland, 2025
Jury statement: This Special Mention is awarded to a film that addresses young audiences with respect and sensitivity – speaking to them in an engaging visual language. The filmmakers make full use of the expressive power of animation, creating a vivid fantasy world that mirrors and supports the inner lives of the main characters during a complex moment of transformation. Through the skillful combination of all these elements, the film delivers a compelling visual adventure for the whole family.
Best Global Short Film
Papillon
Dir: Florence Miailhe
France, 2024
Jury statement: Uniquely painted frames bring this story to life as a swimmer reflects back on his dramatic life through the theme of water
Best Nordic–Baltic Student Film
Cycle of Violence: Puppy Please!
Dir: Felicia Anna Aurora Bergström
Germany, 2024
Jury statement: A vivid and emotional monologue portraying a spiral of joy, anger, sorrow, regret, and desperation. The chosen technique supports the story beautifully and makes it visually strong and unexpected.
Best Nordic Baltic Young Audience Film
Ballad of Halima
Dir: Mikkel Mainz
Denmark, 2025
Jury statement: The film we liked best has an interesting story and exciting music that gave us a vivid glimpse into a mythical world. We appreciated the design, the magical creatures, and the overall visual expression. The winner is Ballad of Halima.
Special Mention – Young Audience Film
Panorama
Dir: Nicolaj Larsson
Denmark, 2025
Jury statement: Our Special Mention goes to a film that is very beautiful, with incredible music and lovely animation. We enjoyed the creative madness that made us think of “Panorama.”
Best Nordic-Baltic Children’s Film
Simon Small
Dirs: Yaprak Morali & Are Austnes
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, 2024
Jury statement: The film we liked best has a magical story. It’s a sweet short film with fine details – a little funny and a little special.
Special Mention – Children’s Film
Service Bus
Dir: Elmer Mikael Lødemel
Denmark, 2024
Jury statement: This film is “completely crazy” — dangerously funny! The runner-up is Service Bus.
Best Nordic-Baltic Commissioned Film
What We Leave Unsaid
Dir: Tord Theodor Olsen
Norway, 2025
Jury statement: With subtle emotion and a smartly crafted animation style, this film gently evokes empathy while balancing it with a touch of humor. Its authenticity and diverse cast of characters offer a touching glimpse into the life of children. Low-key yet powerful, the film leaves a lasting impression long after the screening.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year, the Fredrikstad Animation Festival Lifetime Achievement Award goes to the Swedish animator, director, and illustrator Olof Landström. Read more here.
The Fredrikstad Animation Festival is held annually each October in Fredrikstad, Norway. Visit animationfestival.no for more information.
