POLISH ANIMATIONS "ZIMA" AND "JOKO" HONOURED AT THE 2025 EMILE AWARDS
Two Polish productions were distinguished at this year’s edition of the Emile Awards, one of the most important honours in the European animation industry. The short film “Zima”, directed by Tomek Popakul and Kasumi Ozeki, received the award for Best Sound Design and Music in Short Films, while “Joko”, directed by Izabela Plucińska, was announced the winner in the category Best Character Design and Backgrounds.
On 16 November, ten awards were presented to short and feature animated films, including distinctions for Best Script, Best Character Design and Backgrounds, Outstanding Sound Design and Music, and Best Student Film. The event also revealed the titles recognised as Best of the Best.
Paying homage to the pioneers of European animation, Émile Reynaud and Émile Cohl, the European Animation Awards Association (EAA) was established to honour and celebrate the significance and excellence of European animation. Outstanding animated films are created by talented authors and remarkable artists, and Europe - with its diverse and vibrant animation community - has much to celebrate.
The sound design and music that earned “Winter” its award were created by Michał Fojcik. The film presents a mosaic-like portrait of a small fishing village where humans and animals coexist in a fragile balance of tender care and cold emotional cruelty. It is a moving story about solitude and community, rendered in the poetics of magical realism. The second Polish laureate, “Joko”, directed by Izabela Plucińska, was recognised for its character design and distinctive visual style, portraying a grotesque vision of perpetual exploitation and human domination - full of absurd humour, macabre elements, and striking metaphors.
More information on the award-winning animations can be found here.