The first-ever Animation and Illustration Festival, (RE)ANIMACIJA, took place on March 20-22, 2025, at the Nikšić Theatre. Over the course of three days, audiences enjoyed a diverse program, including the opening of the first Nikšić Illustration and Animation Salon, screenings of the most acclaimed European short animated films, workshops, roundtable discussions, and lectures by distinguished domestic and international professionals.

As part of the (RE)ANIMACIJA FORUM, dedicated to strengthening Montenegro’s animation sector, several key presentations and promotions were held. Visual artist Aleksandar Ostojić delivered a lecture on "Transforming Urban Areas through Mural Art," followed by the promotion of the book "Bringing Drawings to Life" by Rastko Ćirić. Comic book theorist Luka Rakojević presented a lecture titled "A Heart Full of Air," focusing on the works of Dušan Vukotić. A major highlight of the festival was the presence of special guest Miloš Rajković, known as Sholim, an internationally renowned visual artist and animator. He showcased his distinctive work on "Digital Surrealism," blending animation, collage, and social satire in an innovative way.

More than 200 competitors participated in the festival. The first-place prize was awarded to Teodora Tošić for her animation "TV Warming," with a monetary award of €1,000, presented by the Mayor of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević. The second-place prize went to Jovana Martinović for her illustration "The Unknown," receiving €500 from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Tehnopolis, director Đorđije Malović. The third-place prize was awarded to Andrija Martinović for his illustration series "The1 and The2," receiving €300 from Sara Krpović, head of the Scout Association of Montenegro. The special jury prize for illustration went to Srećko Gall for his work "Nikšić."

In the competition selection of European short animated films, the Audience Award was given to "ICE MERCHANTS" by Portuguese director João Gonzalez, while the festival’s Grand Prize was awarded to "TRI TIČICE" ("Three Little Birds") by Slovenian director Zarja Menart.

(RE)ANIMACIJA has demonstrated that animation is not just an art form but also a platform for creative dialogue, exchange of ideas, and inspiration. This groundbreaking festival was made possible with the support of the Film Centre of Montenegro, the Municipality of Nikšić, the Nikšić Tourism Organization, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Tehnopolis, and the Scout Association of Montenegro, further emphasizing the importance of developing animation and illustration in the region.

Unlike many European countries, Montenegro has lacked a dedicated platform for animation and illustration until now. (RE)ANIMACIJA marks a significant step forward, offering artists, animators, and illustrators a space to present their work and exchange knowledge. This festival highlights the growing need for Montenegro to embrace and support animation as an essential cultural and creative industry, which has the potential to inspire new generations of artists and bring global recognition to the region’s talent. The festival was organized in the broader context of Nikšić’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2030, further underscoring its cultural significance.