European Joint Master with Roots in Genk Receives Prestigious Recognition at Animafest Zagreb 2026
Following a series of international accolades for its students and alumni, the programme itself has now been honoured. The European Joint Master RE:Anima has received the prestigious Best Animation School Award at Animafest Zagreb 2026. This international recognition highlights the quality of the joint programme and confirms the strong position of LUCA School of Arts and its C-mine Genk campus within the international animation landscape.
The Only Joint Master's Programme in Animation Film with a Genk Connection
A joint master's programme is a European degree in which students study at three different international institutions. In RE:Anima, students complete the programme over four semesters, studying at each of the partner institutions.
They begin their studies at LUCA School of Arts' campus in Genk. For the second semester, students move to Aalto University (Finland, until June 2026) or IADT (Ireland, from September 2026 onwards), and spend their third semester at Lusófona University (Portugal). During the fourth and final semester, the cohort is divided into three groups, with students completing their graduation films at the three partner institutions.
This unique mobility model enables students to explore a wide range of animation techniques, genres, and artistic approaches. The programme is founded on the belief that animation is not only an artistic practice but also a critical and socially relevant medium. Cultural awareness, artistic research, and reflection on contemporary society are central elements of the curriculum.
“Through this intensive multicultural experience, students broaden both their perspectives and their artistic skills, and that is fundamental to the artistic quality of their films.”
Virgilio Vasconcelos, Programme Coordinator, RE:Anima
A First: Jury Honours a Joint Programme
Remarkably, this year's award was not presented to a single institution but to a collaborative European educational programme. According to the jury, this decision reflects a “true European spirit”, with cooperation between multiple schools at its core, supported by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme.
The jury also noted that RE:Anima films stand out for their highly personal artistic voices. Visually and narratively, the works vary greatly, ranging from films inspired by real-life events to experimental, non-verbal projects that explore the subconscious.
Animafest Zagreb, taking place from 8 to 13 June 2026, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious animation festivals. Within its extensive student competition, the Best Animation School Award is presented to the film school that demonstrates the most consistent and highest-quality body of student work.
A Mark of Quality for the Future
Within the animation sector, the Best Animation School Award is regarded as an important mark of excellence. The prize confirms that RE:Anima offers a vibrant creative environment in which emerging talent can develop into innovative artists with international relevance.
“For LUCA, this recognition confirms our commitment to international collaboration and to pioneering, research-driven arts education with a global outlook.”
Geert Werkers, Vice-Dean for Education, LUCA School of Arts