MIAF 2026 - International Competition Program #1

The International Competition Programs are the backbone of the entire MIAF mission. Drawn from more than 2,450 submissions they showcase the best, most imaginative animating talent on the planet. For Programs 1 to 5 the only rule is diversity: you'll get a bit of everything! For Programs 6 to 10 we take the opportunity to highlight interesting themes and styles that felt prominent in the year's submissions.

This program opens with an astonishing recent film by Izabela Plucińska. JOKO took more than 500 clay models to complete, and sets a new standard on what claymation is capable of achieving. And our first International Program closes with IL BURATTINO E LA BALENA by Italian master animator (and previous Best Of MIAF winner) Roberto Catani, which arrives as one of the most impressive examples of hand-drawn transformational animation we’ve seen since… maybe since Catani’s last film.

This session is classified: Unclassified (M) Mature, not recommended for viewers under 15 years.

Please note that Backlot is NOT fully accessible. There are stairs with handrails, but no lift to the second floor where the cinema is located.