ATU Animation and Game Design graduates’ short films selected for top German festival

Two student films by graduates of the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Animation and Game Design program have been selected to showcase at the International Trickfilm Festival of Animation, Stuttgart, which runs from 23 to 28 April.

The short animations ‘The Dressmaker’ and ‘Flash to the Past’ by Galway students Redmond O’Kelly, Magdalena Sikora, Seosamh Brock, Liam Burke and Alexander Navarro Mantari from Ennis, Co Clare were completed as part of their studies on the Animation and Game Design honors degree course delivered in the School of Design and Creative Arts at ATU Galway city (Wellpark).

The films will be featured alongside the work of other Irish animators and students as part of Zeitgeist Irland 24, an initiative of Culture Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland, Germany, presented by Animation Ireland. The aim is to bring a new generation of Irish artists to German audiences.

‘The Dressmaker’ is a tender animation created in collaboration with the National Museum of Ireland Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN). This heartwarming tale was developed from a true story by John Holohan of the Abbey Heritage Group in Co Galway, based on a memory of when as a young boy John rode his tricycle into the kitchen of Katie Callanan. The students added to the richness of the story buildings on Ireland’s heritage of storytelling, and community.

‘Flash to the Past,’ the brainchild of ATU-Galway’s talented students, takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through the evolution of animation. While testing his new device an inexperienced scientist is transported through the animation multi-verse, exploring the principles of animation, and changing art styles through time.

The two films will be featured in a curated special program celebrating Irish animation within the Zeitgeist Irland 24 initiative, highlighting emerging talent in the Irish animation sector which has an international reputation for storytelling, visual artistry, and new technology.

“We are thrilled to have Animation and Game Design graduates’ work featured in this national student showcase in Zeitgeist Ireland 24,” says Celine Curtin, Head of Department for Creative Arts and Media. “The creativity and dedication demonstrated by our students in producing ‘The Dressmaker’ and ‘Flash to the Past’ are truly commendable. These projects not only showcase their talent but also highlight the innovative spirit of our university.”

Lecturer and mentor Gary Dempsey says: “ATU staff extend our heartfelt congratulations to these talented individuals and wish them success as their work showcases in the International Trickfilm Festival of Animation from 23 to 28 of April. This is a prestigious event that attracts global audiences and industry professionals.”

For more information about ATU and its Animation and Game Design program, please visit [Bachelor of Arts (Honours ) in Animation and Game Design | ATU – Atlantic Technological University (gmit.ie )].