“I felt a wave of excitement—quickly followed by a bit of pressure,” Stokkerud says about being asked to take on the project. “The trailers from previous years have all been so impressive each with their own unique style and creative approach…I really had to rise to the occasion.”
And rise he did. This year’s trailer delivers an abstract but emotionally resonant experience as geometric shapes dance, collide, and resolve in sync with a dynamic original soundscape. It's a playful piece that invites interpretation and repeat viewings.
A Trailer in Motion
“Since I only had a vague thought of what I wanted to tell, it was a bit tricky to get started,” Stokkerud shares. “I knew that I wanted to make something graphical and abstract that was tightly timed up with the music. So I got in touch with a music designer right away. I decided on some colors and set some guidelines for the style, and started making small test animations….I ended up animating a simple bouncing ball, and things evolved from there. Some parts didn’t make the final cut, and there were plenty of revisions—but overall, I worked almost chronologically, discovering the story as I animated.”
The animation, entirely created in Adobe After Effects, combines tight timing with a tactile aesthetic. Using minimal elements of just circles, lines, and squares, Stokkerud manages to evoke a sense of momentum, playfulness, and anticipation without illustrating anything too literally.
“The simple style… isn’t illustrating anything concrete, yet you clearly understand what is going on and where everything is moving.”
One clever technical twist? The frame rate subtly increases throughout the trailer, mirroring the audial journey from choppy to more fluid. It’s a detail that viewers might not catch on first watch, but it contributes to the trailer’s satisfying progression.
A Soundtrack That Speaks
“The music essentially dictated the rhythm and structure of the entire animation,” Stokkerud explains. “It starts off a bit chaotic and erratic, then gradually becomes more melodic and cohesive. The animation mirrors that arc—beginning with disjointed, unpredictable movements before settling into smoother, more defined sequences.”
The playfulness between sound and motion hits its stride with small but powerful moments, like a tiny sound early in the trailer.
“The small “ding” at 0:06 (is such a) minor detail, but it adds so much. That single sound gives weight and presence to the orange circle—it suddenly feels like a real object in a physical space. Without that sound, the moment wouldn’t be nearly as impactful.”
Looking Ahead to FAF 2025
“For me, this festival is one of the key meeting points for the animation and motion design community in Norway. It’s a chance to connect, see familiar faces, stay updated on what is happening and just get inspired. I really value that.”
While the full 2025 program is still under wraps, Stokkerud is especially looking forward to the Nordic-Baltic short film selections: “They’re always a mixed bag—which is part of the charm. It's fascinating to see the diversity of projects being created each year. I’m also curious to see who the guest speakers will be this time.”
The FAF 2025 trailer captures that same spirit, fresh, surprising, and full of momentum. Watch it now, and get ready for a festival experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Animation and Direction: Kristoffer H. Stokkerud
Sound Design: Thomas Bottolfsen, Red Ant