Stuttgart, Germany – The 33rd Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS), scheduled to run from May 5–10, 2026, will center its programming around the groundbreaking work of Lotte Reiniger, a pioneer of silhouette animation. The festival’s focus arrives as the animation world marks the 100th anniversary of Reiniger’s The Adventures of Prince Achmed, widely considered the oldest surviving feature-length animated film.
The festival will explore not only Reiniger’s artistic achievements but also the enduring influence of her unique style, which involved meticulously crafted cut-out figures brought to life through intricate frame-by-frame animation. ITFS 2026 aims to demonstrate how Reiniger’s innovative techniques continue to inspire contemporary animators and filmmakers across the globe.
Exhibitions Illuminate a Century of Silhouette
Two major exhibitions will anchor the festival’s celebration of Reiniger’s legacy. “Film Stories in Backlight,” running from March 27 to May 16 at the City Library Stuttgart, will present a curated selection of films that draw inspiration from Reiniger’s distinctive visual language. The exhibition will showcase works from the DEFA Studio for Animated Films – a prominent animation studio in East Germany – alongside contemporary international artists, highlighting the continuing relevance of her interplay between light and shadow.
Complementing this, “Lotte Legacy – Shadow Play from Babelsberg to Southeast Asia,” will be on display at the Festival Centre from May 5–17. Curated by Hannes Rall, this exhibition will feature student films from Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF in Germany and Nanyang Technological University Singapore. The program demonstrates how emerging filmmakers are reinterpreting silhouette techniques using modern tools and incorporating diverse cultural storytelling traditions, underscoring the global reach of Reiniger’s work.
From Historical Gems to Contemporary Takes
The festival’s programming extends beyond exhibitions with a series of short film programs and special screenings. The “Silhouettes in Lotte’s Footsteps” programs, scheduled for May 6 and 9, will showcase both historical films and student works, demonstrating the adaptability and enduring appeal of silhouette animation. These screenings will range from traditional paper-cut techniques to innovative contemporary reinterpretations.
The program will also feature films influenced by Reiniger, including works from the DEFA Studio and international titles like Creatures and The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello, which explore darker and more atmospheric narratives within the silhouette medium.
A special AniMovie screening of Michel Ocelot’s Princes et Princesses is planned, with the director expected to be in attendance. The festival will also present Tanz der Schatten, a documentary offering insights into Reiniger’s life and artistic impact.
Masterclasses and a Live Orchestral Performance
ITFS 2026 will offer attendees a rare opportunity to learn from leading figures in silhouette animation through masterclasses with Jörg Herrmann and Michel Ocelot. Herrmann’s session will provide a detailed gaze at the production process, from figure creation to frame-by-frame animation, emphasizing techniques rooted in Reiniger’s original methods. Ocelot’s masterclass will explore his artistic journey, influences, and the power of visual storytelling through light, color, and paper cut-outs.
A highlight of the festival will be a landmark live performance on May 8, featuring a screening of The Adventures of Prince Achmed accompanied by members of the SWR Symphony Orchestra. This reimagining of Reiniger’s masterpiece will combine early animation with a contemporary musical interpretation, creating a unique dialogue between the past and present.
Preserving a Legacy for Future Generations
With its comprehensive program, ITFS 2026 aims to not only celebrate a century of silhouette animation but also to reaffirm its place as a vibrant and evolving art form. The festival’s dedication to showcasing both historical works and contemporary interpretations underscores the enduring power of Reiniger’s vision and its continued inspiration for filmmakers across generations and borders.
Detailed information about the festival program, including schedules and ticket information, can be found on the ITFS website: https://itfs.de/en/programme/calendar/. The festival organizers anticipate a strong turnout as animation enthusiasts and scholars gather to honor the legacy of Lotte Reiniger and explore the future of silhouette animation.
The ITFS 2026 program represents a significant opportunity to engage with the history and future of a unique and influential animation technique. Further program announcements and guest confirmations are expected in the weeks leading up to the festival.
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