Cartoon Club has always been attentive to the evolving themes of our time. It’s no surprise that cinema, in all its forms, has the power to raise awareness and educate the public on topics of global significance. Today, the environment and its preservation are of paramount importance. This gave rise to the idea of bestowing a specific award to the work that, each year, best combines the art of animation with a powerful and meaningful environmental message.
Since 2021, Festival has established the “Environmental Award”, through which it aims to celebrate not only the technical and narrative mastery of creators but also their ability to use the language of animated cinema to convey a message of commitment and care towards our planet. Animation has this unique power: it can bring to life fantastical worlds, talking animals, and post-apocalyptic scenarios, making tangible what often feels distant or unrealistic in our daily reality.
The films awarded in this category don’t merely showcase the pristine beauty of nature or the dramatic repercussions of climate change. They go beyond, delving into the root causes embedded in human behavior, proposing innovative solutions, and offering hope through tales of resilience, innovation, and collaboration.
By recognizing films that address environmental themes, the festival sends a clear message: the environment is a priority, and animation cinema can and should play a key role in its preservation.
In conclusion, the environmental award at the Cartoon Club Festival is more than just an artistic accolade; it is a genuine commitment. It’s a call to all animated content creators to ponder the impact of their stories, to use their voice to inform, raise awareness, and inspire positive change. In an era where the environment is at the heart of global discussions, animation cinema has the opportunity, and perhaps the responsibility, to make a proactive contribution to the cause.
CARTOON CLUB AWARD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT – ROMAGNA ACQUE
for commitment to marine environment protection and sustainability.
AcquaTeam-Missione Mare (25’) is an animated series directed by Massimo Montigiani. The animated series AcquaTeam-Missione Mare (25 minutes), created by Federico Fiecconi and directed by Massimo Montigiani, is an international co-production made by Milan-based GraFFiti Creative in collaboration with Indian and Irish partners, supported by Rai Kids. The protagonist, Marysun, is the animated alter ego of marine biologist Mariasole Bianco, who provides scientific advice and appears at the end of each episode to raise awareness about marine conservation.
In the new season AcquaTeam-Sea Adventures, directed by Riccardo Mazzoli, the team embarks on a journey around the world on an eco-friendly catamaran, exploring various seas before concluding their adventures in the Mediterranean with the episode Following the Sirens’ Trail, which premiered in April 2024 in Olbia. The series has been a huge success on Rai Yoyo and RaiPlay and was awarded the Cartoon Club Award for the Environment in July 2024 in recognition of its commitment to marine sustainability.
