This year’s BLON program features more than 70 animated films, five competitive short film programs, feature-length animation, independent video games, and virtual reality experiences recognized at international festivals. Special attention this year is given to Lithuanian animation – for the first time in Lithuania, the festival will showcase as many as seven new short animated films by Lithuanian creators.
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The festival organizers note that along with the growing program and international circle of creators, public interest in BLON is also increasing. Therefore, the festival aims to be created not only as a place to discover the latest animation and video game works but also as a vibrant part of the city’s cultural life.
“Every year we see how BLON grows and strengthens – both as an international festival and as an event in Klaipėda. We receive more and more works and creators from different countries around the world, and this year we also feel a significantly increased audience interest. We want BLON to be a living part of the city – so that Klaipėda residents not only come to the events but also feel the festival atmosphere, discover new experiences, and meet the creators,” says the festival director Laura Almantaitė.
Among the highlights of this year’s program is the return of Marjane Satrapi’s film “Persepolis” to the big screen for a short time, the exhibition of finalists of the international video game competition “Aware Game Awards,” and VR experiences presented at the Pranas Domšaitis Gallery. Festival visitors will be able not only to see or try the works – the program includes meetings with authors, discussions, lectures, and creative workshops for participants of all ages.
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This year, comics are also at the center of the festival’s attention. One of the most prominent BLON guests is Kazimieras Gediminas Prapuolenis (Kaz), a Lithuanian-American artist, illustrator, and animation creator working on the animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” His visit will be accompanied by meetings and activities dedicated to comics, and a drawing specially created by Kaz for the festival and Klaipėda will be placed on a building wall in “Memel City.”
BLON events will take place from September 10–13 at the “Culture Factory,” the cultural and meeting place “Herkus Kantas,” the “Arlekinas” cinema, Klaipėda Puppet Theatre, and the Pranas Domšaitis Gallery. The festival program also includes many free events.
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