Our world begins with looking even before we speak. So does animation. Our International Animation Competition films this year look for a world and human condition that is hospitable and good to live in. Whether a boy is looking for love after his parents' divorce, a neighborhood seeking a surreal connection, or a person trying to cope with a multitasking day, the search is always on the horizon.

On the other hand, they also remind us of what these characters have to endure: uneasy memories, a world in turmoil, and even frauds masquerading as political leaders. From folk tales to moral dilemmas and experimental output, contemporary animation shorts (in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation) visualize our everyday fears and aspirations. Coming from both newcomers and established filmmakers, they create a pattern of artistic relevance in an age of increasing uncertainty about truth and importance. The animation films here are bold, strongly crafted, and they tell a clear story.