Animated films usually have a tough time: high production costs and the prejudice regarding "children's films" tend to adhere to them. This year, the BIFF would like to defy this and to provide a stage for the diverse world of animated film, thereby drawing attention to, in particular, European productions that are primarily intended for an adult audience. Alongside themes such as war, trauma and escape (NAYOLA, DIE SIRENE, THE TOWER, THE ISLAND), personal confrontations with one's own identity (MY LOVE AFFAIR..., TENDER METALHEADS) as well as gripping genre fare (MARS EXPRESS, UNICORN WARS) are represented, taking us into worlds ranging from realistic to playfully dreamy with a variety of animation styles.