Pictoplasma Berlin 2027: Free International Character Animation and Music Video Call, January 11
Character-centred international call
Pictoplasma is accepting character-driven animated shorts, music videos and experimental moving-image work from around the world for its 23rd Berlin edition in 2027. Narrative, non-narrative, commissioned and student-made animation can all be considered. Unlike a general short-film festival, Pictoplasma's selection places particular importance on original, high-quality character design, character-led storytelling, visual language and world-building. The festival and conference are scheduled for 29 April–2 May 2027.
Entry fee, deadline and format
Submissions made through the organiser's own animation page are free and must be received by 11 January 2027. The typical length of works appearing in its official selection is described as approximately one to fifteen minutes; that description should not be turned into a strict technical maximum for every submission. Creators should prepare a Full HD QuickTime video encoded with ProRes 422 HQ or H.264 and provide a download link using the instructions in the linked entry form.
How AI-assisted works are judged
The organiser cautions that work generated entirely or in significant part by generative AI tools will most likely not be considered by its human jury. This is a strong curatorial warning, not precisely the same as a categorical ban on any minor AI-assisted step. Artists should foreground their individual character-design contribution, ensure they own or have permission to use all footage, sound and music, and verify the documentation required by the entry form.
Organiser and the Berlin festival
Established in 2004, Pictoplasma connects character designers, animators, illustrators and visual storytellers through conferences, exhibitions, screenings and related events. The Berlin programme hosts talks and meetings with international creative-industry professionals; past conferences have brought together more than 900 participants, according to the organiser. Free submission does not imply free conference access, travel reimbursement or guaranteed prize money. Official call and submission form: https://conference.pictoplasma.com/animation/ .