65 shorts, produced in 29 countries and representing all the genres – animation, live-action and documentary – were selected to screen as a part of this year’s competition of the ZINEBI festival. Three among them were produced in Poland – the above mentioned “Baths” and “Hippos” as well as “Ars moriendi” by Miłosz Margański. ZINEBI is one of the oldest Spanish festivals recognized internationally.
This year’s festival jury decided to present “Baths” by Ducki with a Gold Mikeldi award for the Best Animated film of the international competition. The film, which was produced by Studio Miniatur Filmowych and Peek and Boo – is a metaphoric depiction of the meeting of two elderly swimmers in the public baths. Gold Mikeldi is a first Spanish award for the film and 21st award in total. Festival ZINEBI is accredited by AMPAS thus the award for “Baths” makes it eligible for submission to Oscars.
The second film awarded yesterday evening was the latest animation by Piotr Dumała called “Hippos” and produced by FUMI Studio based in Warsaw. Film received the Cine Club Fas award. The latest animation by Dumała was screened so far at more than 20 international festivals and awarded 7 times. A few naked women and children are bathing in a river. They are being secretly observed by a group of men, who, at one point decide to approach them, in a violent manner, as if inspired by the behaviour of hippopotamuses.
The 56th edition of the ZINEBI International Documentary and Short Film Festival was held between 14th and 21st November in Bilbao.
The list of all the laureates and more on the festival can be found at its official website