A Greek island in the middle of the Mediterranean. Everyone was looking forward to escaping in September to this corner of the Agean where work could be combined with gentle relaxation.
A plane to Athens, a bus to Pyraeus, then a boat to Syros. Everything had been planned and organised in advance, except that the buses were not able to drive off the ship without damage to their gearboxes and, were too big for the island´s small roads, and the drivers - from Athens - did not know how to fi nd the 20 hotels! But all these problems faded away with the wonderful location for the Forum. A picture book sea, salads, squid, feta cheese – all accompanied by music.
70 projects were pitched to 607 participants, including feature films «La Prophétie des Grenouilles» from Folimage, and «Belleville Rendez-Vous» from Les Armateurs. Among the series, there was an unusual project from Cromosoma «240, the First Hero of the Third Millenium» which was very successful and was fi nanced rapidly. This was the year for «Allo la terre? Ici les Martin...» from Alphanim, «Chris Colorado» from AB Productions, «Ethelbert the Tiger» from Link Entertainment, «Mamémo» from Tapage Nocturne, «Vampires, Pirates and Aliens» from World Productions, as well as many others.
Under a Night Sky
The Cartoon d´Or took place in Syros´ main square under a starry sky with a light summer breeze. Screening conditions were not ideal, but we were all united by a mutual passion for film. We had a strong list of 5 nominations, but the winner was Jacques-Rémy Girerd for his film «L´Enfant au Grelot».
Appropriately, the evening ended with dancing sirtaky on the beach, accompanied by Retsina.
The poster was designed by talented artist Evi Triantafillidi.
Vicky Schroderus, Acquisition Executive, YLE International Acquisitions
Each year Cartoon Forum has been the most pleasant work- related event in my calendar. Not only has it taken me to the interesting places in Europe, but also given me an insight into new European animation projects, as well as given me a chance to meet people in the business. I wouldn’t otherwise have time to meet during the hectic markets.
There is always an exciting buzz during the fi rst days of the Cartoon Forum as we speculate where it will take place next year. In 1998 Cartoon Forum took us to Syros, Greece. From a Nordic point of view the location was fantastic (100% sun guaranteed). After several hours of fl ying (I think I changed planes at least 3 times), I fi nally arrived in Athens. All the participants were taken by bus to the harbour and boarded the hydrofoil to Ermoupoli, Syros. The couple of hours on board fl ew by, greeting friends and meeting new people. The small island looked very picturesque, and we sensed that lots of interesting things awaited us.
The atmosphere was warm and friendly, and the presentations were given with lots energy and hopes for a successful project. I still vividly remember the sophisticated presentation of «Upstairs Downstairs Bears» where straw hats were distributed. As you put the hat on, you were immediately taken back into the Edwardian era. I also vividly recall the enthusiastic presentation of «Pablo Little Red Fox» and the terrifying «Grizzly Tales». No wonder that these three as well as projects like «Ethelbert the Tiger», «Lisa», «Mamémo», «Marvellous Milly», «Otto», «Patate et le Jardin Potager», and «Yoho Ahoy» became successful series or specials, and became part of YLE TV2’s programming.
The last night’s party has always been a joyful event. In Syros it took place in a fi shing village where the grilled fi sh was mouth-watering and one could learn the traditional Greek dance – at least I did (and, oh boy, how much my muscles hurt the next day). Thank you Cartoon Forum for all the memorable moments during the past 15 years!
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