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2021: 1st Edition „Art without Borders“


Poster 2021, Design by Amir Azar



The inaugural Return International Art Festival is set to take place from November 25-28, 2021, under the inspiring motto "Art without Borders". This new annual event aims to showcase the diverse talents of artists from around the globe, fostering a shared cultural experience that emphasizes unity and creative expression.


The Concept of "RETURN"

The festival's theme, "RETURN," embodies a journey back to cultural roots, serving as a foundation for communal coexistence. This concept of revival and reflection on historical art and culture will permeate the entire program. In various artistic domains—including film, photography, comics, cartoons, caricature illustration, and posters—the works of selected artists will be exhibited at the cinema mon ami and Hofatelier in Weimar.


A unique feature of the festival is its open-ended thematic approach. Rather than prescribing specific themes, the festival poses a singular, thought-provoking question to all participants: "What kind of legacy are we leaving for the future?" The artists' responses to this question, reflected in their works, promise to offer a rich tapestry of interpretations and visions.


International Participation and Selection

The Return International Art Festival places a strong emphasis on international participation. This year, artists from 80 countries are contributing to the event. From a pool of 1600 submitted works, the festival has selected 47 short films, 3 feature-length films, and 73 pieces in the visual arts category.

One of the festival's highlights is the participation of 9-year-old Ukrainian Anastasia Shinkarenko, the youngest entrant, in the animated film category. Anastasia not only directed and drew her film "Magic Head" but also provided the voiceover, showcasing remarkable talent at a young age.


Esteemed Jury

The film section jury includes:

  • Prof. Jörn Hintzer from Bauhaus University Weimar

  • Mohammad Ali Talebi, an acclaimed Iranian director

  • Leonie Minor, a German director and producer

For the visual arts, the jury comprises:

  • Lola Lennartz, an esteemed artist

  • Wilfried Malz, a renowned artist

  • Roman Diller, a distinguished photographer


Workshops and Additional Screenings

In the lead-up to the festival, two workshops focused on the theme "Future" were conducted in collaboration with the Painting and Drawing School Weimar. Post-festival, the award-winning films will be screened again at the ACC Gallery in Weimar on January 13 at 8:00 PM.


Gratitude and Support

The Return International Art Festival extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters, including:

  • Thuringian State Chancellery

  • City of Weimar

  • Bauhaus University Weimar

  • Hofatelier Niedergrunstedt

  • Weimar School of Painting and Drawing

  • Kino mon ami

  • Notenbank

  • ACC Gallery

  • Blueprint Weimar

  • Art Hotel Weimar

  • Klassikstiftung

  • Ernst Abbe University Jena


Their generous support has been instrumental in bringing this festival to life. We look forward to welcoming you to a celebration of art and culture that knows no borders!

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