Two nominations for animated films from FABW
Ludwigsburg August 5th – At this year’s Student Academy Awards two animated films produced at the Animationsinstitut of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg have been nominated as finalists. Out of more than 3,000 submissions, the diploma films A SPARROW’S SONG and THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE, along with five other films have made it to the final round of the coveted ‘Student Oscars’ in the Animation category.
A SPARROW’S SONG by Tobias Eckerlin (director and producer) is inspired by a true story. A widowed air raid warden struggles to overcome her grief and rediscover joy in her life. In the midst of World War II, she finds a dying sparrow she hopes to save. As the bird slowly recovers, a deep bond forms between them, and the sparrow responds to her playing the piano—a shared language.
In THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE, written and directed by Oscar Jacobson, a nude model poses with statue-like composure at an elite art school – until a nasty mosquito bite puts his self-control to the test. Overwhelmed by the urge to itch, he spirals into an inner battle between the relentless pressure for perfection and his uncontrollable, animalistic instincts.
Dr. Andreas Bareiß, Managing Director of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, on the nomination of the graduate films:
“I am very happy for Tobias and Oscar and for everyone involved in the creation of these wonderful films. The nomination itself is a huge success, not only for the filmmakers, but also for the entire Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. It puts focus on the fact that we are enabling the creation of outstanding work here. Now, I'm excited for the awards ceremony and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the teams.”
The Student Academy Award, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is considered the most prestigious honour for student projects in the film industry. The awards ceremony will take place on October 6, 2025 in New York.
Dr. Jan Pinkava, Director of the Animationsinstitut, is proud of the success of his graduates:
“Congratulations to Tobi, Oscar and their brilliant teams, from all of us at Animationsinstitut! To be the only school with two finalists in the Student Academy Awards is indeed a great honour, and recognition of not only the talent of our students and our vital teaching culture, but also of the Filmakademie’s devotion and commitment to the future of animation. These enchanting films will find a delighted audience!”
More about the Student Academy Awards 2025 (external link).
Here you can find the trailers (external links) for both films, A SPARROW’S SONG and THE UNDYING PAIN OF EXISTENCE.
About the Animationsinstitut
The Animationsinstitut at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg trains outstanding talents at the highest level in the fields of animation, visual effects, technical directing, animation/effects producing and interactive media. In addition, the institute runs a research & development department and curates the annual international conference FMX – Film & Media Exchange (external link).
More information about studying at the Animationsinstitut (external link).