Poster 2021, Design by Amir Azar
The inaugural Return International Art Festival is set to take place from November 25-28, 2021, under the inspiring motto "Art without Borders". This new annual event aims to showcase the diverse talents of artists from around the globe, fostering a shared cultural experience that emphasizes unity and creative expression.
The Concept of "RETURN"
The festival's theme, "RETURN," embodies a journey back to cultural roots, serving as a foundation for communal coexistence. This concept of revival and reflection on historical art and culture will permeate the entire program. In various artistic domains—including film, photography, comics, cartoons, caricature illustration, and posters—the works of selected artists will be exhibited at the cinema mon ami and Hofatelier in Weimar.
A unique feature of the festival is its open-ended thematic approach. Rather than prescribing specific themes, the festival poses a singular, thought-provoking question to all participants: "What kind of legacy are we leaving for the future?" The artists' responses to this question, reflected in their works, promise to offer a rich tapestry of interpretations and visions.
International Participation and Selection
The Return International Art Festival places a strong emphasis on international participation. This year, artists from 80 countries are contributing to the event. From a pool of 1600 submitted works, the festival has selected 47 short films, 3 feature-length films, and 73 pieces in the visual arts category.
One of the festival's highlights is the participation of 9-year-old Ukrainian Anastasia Shinkarenko, the youngest entrant, in the animated film category. Anastasia not only directed and drew her film "Magic Head" but also provided the voiceover, showcasing remarkable talent at a young age.
Esteemed Jury
The film section jury includes:
Prof. Jörn Hintzer from Bauhaus University Weimar
Mohammad Ali Talebi, an acclaimed Iranian director
Leonie Minor, a German director and producer
For the visual arts, the jury comprises:
Lola Lennartz, an esteemed artist
Wilfried Malz, a renowned artist
Roman Diller, a distinguished photographer
Workshops and Additional Screenings
In the lead-up to the festival, two workshops focused on the theme "Future" were conducted in collaboration with the Painting and Drawing School Weimar. Post-festival, the award-winning films will be screened again at the ACC Gallery in Weimar on January 13 at 8:00 PM.
Gratitude and Support
The Return International Art Festival extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters, including:
Thuringian State Chancellery
City of Weimar
Bauhaus University Weimar
Hofatelier Niedergrunstedt
Weimar School of Painting and Drawing
Kino mon ami
Notenbank
ACC Gallery
Blueprint Weimar
Art Hotel Weimar
Klassikstiftung
Ernst Abbe University Jena
Their generous support has been instrumental in bringing this festival to life. We look forward to welcoming you to a celebration of art and culture that knows no borders!