“With this award, we pay tribute to Priit Pärn’s extraordinary contribution to the Nordic and Baltic animation scene, both as a creator and a teacher.” says Trine Vallevik Håbjørg, the board's chair
Priit Pärn has been a central figure in the animation community for over five decades. His influence extends beyond the region, having shaped global perspectives on animation with his distinctive storytelling style and visual approach. Since starting as a caricaturist and illustrator in the 1960s, Pärn’s career in animation began with his first film, Is the Earth Round?, released in 1977 while working with Joonisfilm in Estonia. He has since directed, written, and designed 18 animated films, collaborating with his wife, Olga Pärn, for the past 18 years.
Pärn’s work has garnered international acclaim, with over 80 awards worldwide, including Grand Prix wins and lifetime achievement recognitions from prestigious festivals such as Animafest (Zagreb), Krok (Ukraine), Anima (Brussels), HAFF (Utrecht), and OIAF (Ottawa). He was also the first Grand Prix winner at the Fredrikstad Animation Festival in 1996 and received the Caprino Award in 2004 alongside other notable animators.
His contributions have been instrumental in highlighting the Baltic and Nordic animation communities to a global audience. Pärn’s career also includes teaching at art academies in Estonia and Finland and conducting workshops and lectures in over 15 countries, from Norway to Japan and the U.S.
To honor his achievements, the festival will feature a discussion session with Priit and Olga Pärn on Saturday at 12:15, moderated by Chris Robinson. The session will be followed by a retrospective screening at 13:30, showcasing 1895, Pilots on the Way Home, and Breakfast on the Grass, Additionally, an exhibition of prints by both Priit and Olga Pärn will be on display in the foyer of Fredrikstad Cinema throughout the festival.
Today, the festival’s opening film, Luna Rossa, co-directed by Priit and Olga Pärn, will be screened, offering attendees a chance to experience their latest work.
Luna Rossa also is also screened Saturday 26 October at 11:00.