Considering the current socio-political discourse on representation, a timely Dadaist meditation on female gender roles. “Sometimes I rise above the clouds, sometimes I reach the lowest of lows; throughout this I struggle to survive and find a place for myself,” writes Helen Ora.

In the context of Latvia, New York-based Signe Baumane is the most well known animated film director regarding the female figure; with “Panic”, officially selected for the Annecy International Animated Film Festival’s Short Film Competition “Off-Limits”, Helen Ora (aka Elīna Maligina) honourably joins the field of female gender analysis. With its multi-plane exposition and collage style, this short film distinctly leans towards symbolism and Dadaism, evoking associations with video art and the social appeals evident in the Soviet-era films of Polish filmmaker Zbigniew Rybczyński.

Jury statement: Panic is a punk, crazy and emotionally anxious film. Helen Ora directs it with a very distinct and visually bold style.