Alumni

42 students from more than 15 countries have been graduated from EKA Master of Animation.

2023

Milly Yencken (Australia)

The graduation film “The Eastern Rain” 2023 is a mixed technique of paint on glass and charcoal on paper animation. Supervisors Kamila Kučíková & Lucija Mrzljak

 


Still from the film The Eastern Rain

“The night extends into the day, the process of making a film reaches deep into your own reality. My experience of studying at EKA is a bit like a dream, it was not always a pleasant state of mind, but it was one that has left my imagination deeply enriched and it gave me a platform to truly test and explore different materials and ways of thinking about film making. I learnt just as much from my peers as my mentors, for in Estonia everyone who arrives there is unique in their thoughts and approaches. Therefore no other school had given me the freedom to run wild and get lost inside this intricately magical / equally fearful process of making a film. I’m very grateful for the time I had spent there, and I invite anyone new to come to enter the deep night and stay inside this dream, that will be their dream ..until that film is fully cooked and you are ready to wake. ” – Milly Yencken

Keawalee Warutokomain

The graduation film “The Last Visit” 2023 is a charcoal on paper animation. Supervisors Aggie Pak Yee Lee and Ülo Pikkov.


Still from the film The Last visit.

“Living in Estonia and studying in EKA is my shifting point both as an artist and as a human. EKA offered a great opportunity to learn from various masters and join the international animation community which I had no clue of when I was in Thailand. The great support from department teachers and staff combined with an open study structure made EKA my ideal place to venture into the realms of ‘Art’ and ‘Animation’. I enjoyed the freedom to decide my own growing journey with a lot of scholarship for exchange study and traineeship provided. I am also fortunate to learn from Priit and Olga Pärn in my first year as their classes significantly grounded a new way of story structure. I am thankful to all my talented friends in EKA who became my first international community and always support me, a very healthy environment indeed :)” Keawalee Warutkomain

2022

2021

2020

2019

Auden Michael LINCOLN-VOGEL (United States of America)

The graduation film Zorg 2
2019, drawn animation, digital cut-out, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Zorg 2

“One of the great things about EKA’s MA program in animation is that it emphasizes preproduction–specifically, story, design, and structure–above all else. As a result, the films coming out of EKA maintain very diverse animation styles and all have strong stories and concepts” Auden Michael Lincoln-Vogel.


Huei Jen HUNG (Taiwan)

The graduation film Gorilla in the Washing Machine
2019, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Frank
2018, puppet animation, pixilation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Gorilla in the Washing Machine

“The time I spent in EKA was a nice experience. I gained stop-motion and puppet building skills, as well as a different type of animations. Most of all, is the ability to construct a better short script for animation film” Huei Jen Hung.


Mariel Alejandra BUENFIL BLAZQUEZ (Mexico)

The graduation film Layers
2019, cut-out animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Layers

Martinus Daane KLEMET (Estonia)

The graduation film Fatcula
2016, 3D animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The second-year film Rise and Fall of W.C.
2011, digital cut-out animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Light My Fire
2007, 3D animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Fatcula

Noam SUSSMAN (Canada)

The graduation film Dream Cream
2019, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Oh Say Can You See?
2019, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Dream Cream

“The animation program got me to think outside the box. Using a variety of in-class exercises and homework I was able to generate new story ideas and get my creative juices flowing. The animation program allowed me to develop my directorial style and voice, and contributed greatly to my body of work and portfolio” Noam Sussman.


Pablo MARTÍNEZ BALLARÍN (Spain)

The graduation film The Piece of Tail in the Mouth of the Snake That Bites Its Own Tail
2019, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film In Between the Walls of Perception
2018, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film The Piece of Tail in the Mouth of the Snake That Bites Its Own Tail

“I am really glad with what I have learned and how I learned it. The program is very interesting and surprising, and the workshops covered all my interests. Big hooray for the teachers and coordinators” Pablo Martínez Ballarín.


Sofiya ILIEVA (Bulgaria)

The graduation film Vibration
2019, sand animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film EnLIGHTenment
2019, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Vibration

Teresa BAROET (Portugal)

The graduation film Cante
2019, painted on glass animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Cante

2018

Jung Hyun KIM (South Korea)

The graduation film Sweet Sweat
2018, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Sweet Sweat

“My experience at EKA helped me to develop the ability to structured and execute a full production. I’m also very grateful to have met and befriended international colleagues” Jung Hyun Kim.


Kamila KUČÍKOVÁ (Slovakia)

The graduation film 300 g/m2
2018, cut-out animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film 300 g/m2

Karin PAUMER (Estonia)

The graduation film Swimmingpool
2018, cut-out animation, supervisors Urmas Jõemees and Helen Unt

Still image from the film Swimmingpool

“The experience of studying at EKA was enriching the world of thought, stimulating the perceptions. I was free to move beyond the subjects of my chosen speciality, to get acquainted with the subjects of other EKA specialities. And I liked the opportunity to participate in the subjects of other universities within the framework of free subjects, which could be chosen based on personal interest. When learning animation, I liked to try a more intuitive and personal approach to storytelling, wherein animation material properties, hand sensitivity, constant observation of the process and instant thinking naturally lead to the story, but I also appreciate the opportunity to learn about story writing patterns already developed by professionals” Karin Paumer.


Nata METLUKH (Ukraine/United States of America)

The graduation film Pura Vida
2018, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Procrastination
2018, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Pura Vida

“The Priit Pärn’s author course was intense and challenging, I’m happy that I had a chance to see the creative process of this filmmaker” Nata Metlukh.


Sander JOON (Estonia)

The graduation film Sounds Good
2018, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Moulinet
2017, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Sounds Good

Shakir KHAN (Pakistan)

The graduation film Control
2018, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Control

2017

Aggie Pak Yee LEE (Hong Kong)

The graduation film Five Steps to the Right
2017, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Muteum
2017, drawn animation, digital cut-out animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Five Steps to the Right

“Fantastic. Bombastic” Aggie Pak Yee Lee.


Evgeniia GOLIKOVA (Russia)

The graduation film Don’t Wake
2017, painted on glass animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Don’t Wake

Helen Louise WOOLSTON (United Kingdom)

The graduation film Tendrils
2017, cut-out animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film A Chronic Circus
2017, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Tendrils

“My studies at EKA Animation department opened my mind and creativity up in many ways. One of the most amazing things was studying alongside so many people from different countries. I found so much insight while sharing our various sources of creative inspiration with fellow students as well as with the experienced teaching staff. The worldwide animation network I now have after studying in EKA Animation is something I really cherish and is very useful for finding out about nice opportunities to collaborate” Helen Louise Woolston.


Teele STRAUSS (Estonia)

The graduation film Once in the Fields of Boredom
2017, mixed technique, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film Once in the Fields of Boredom

“EKA Department of Animation has expanded the boundaries of the inspiration and the freedom to tell its stories” Teele Strauss.


Terje HENK (Estonia)

The graduation film Swampfox
2017, sand animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Installation Death of the Swampfox
2017, installation, supervisor Raivo Kelomees

Still image from the film Swampfox

“It was definitely an emotional time” Terje Henk.

2016

Heta Maria JÄÄLINOJA (Finland)

The graduation film Penelope
2016, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Penelope

Lucija MRZLJAK (Croatia)

The graduation film Šuma
2016, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Corner
2016, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film Šuma

“My studies at EKA will always stay with me as a special memory. Those were the inspiring days where I learned so much and gathered the courage to make films. It was a great opportunity to create professional & collaborative friendships that last long after the university” Lucija Mrzljak.

2015

Anastasiia KUUSK (Ukraine)

The graduation film Zhuchka’s Story
2015, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Zhuchka’s Story

Ave TAAVET (Estonia)

The graduation film Seniors’ Choice
2015, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Vello
2015, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Seniors’ Choice

Ecem MORAN (Turkey)

The graduation film Mind Over Mood
2015, direct animation, supervisor Ülo Pikkov

The first-year film Spring
2015, direct animation, supervisor Ülo Pikkov

Still image from the film Mind Over Mood

Lilli-Krõõt REPNAU (Estonia)

The graduation film At the End of the Day
2015, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn, Francisco Martinez

Still image from the film At the End of the Day

Mihkel REHA (Estonia)

The graduation film Les Nuits Magiques
2015, mixed technique, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film Les Nuits Magiques

Sven-Tõnis PUSKAR (Estonia)

The graduation film The Play Factory
2015, drawn animation, supervisor Mattias Mälk

Still image from the film The Play Factory

Teemu HOTTI (Finland)

The graduation film The Party of Ö
2015, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisor Priit Pärn

The first-year film Street Life
2015, 2D digital drawn animation, video, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film The Party of Ö

“Before starting animation master program in EKA I had background in journalism and I had worked with infographics and visual design for several years. Animation and film studies broadened my possibilities in the field of communications significantly. The master program gives students lot of freedoms to choose their own fields of interest and suits well for independent candidates who are interested in finding their own personal voice” Teemu Hotti.

2014

Francesco ROSSO (Italy)

The graduation film Black Seed
2014, painted on glass animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Fok Nabo Distorio
2014, stop-motion, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Black Seed

“Studying at EKA Animation gave me the ability to investigate frame by frame film-making, from the very early stages of development to production and post-production.
Students have the privilege to experiment with no real boundaries, which builds a strong foundation for approaching a career in their desired field. There is a particular focus on cultural and artistic productions, but the program allows for possibilities in commercial productions as well. I had a chance to continue my working experience in Estonia by joining different artistic productions as background artist, designer, in-betweener, animator, and director – trying out all the different aspects of the production of an animated film” Francesco Rosso.

2013

Anu-Laura TUTTELBERG (Estonia)

The graduation film Fly Mill
2012, puppet animation, supervisors Priit Pärn and Riho Unt

EKA co-production with Nukufilm OÜ On the Other Side of the Woods
2014, puppet animation, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film Fly Mill

Idil Deniz KARABAY (Turkey)

The graduation film Eye Eye
2013, puppet animation, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film Eye Eye

Zane OBORENKO (Latvia)

The graduation film IMG_00:01.JPG
2014, sand animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film IMG_00:01.JPG

2012

Edmunds JANSONS (Latvia)

The graduation film International Father’s Day
2012, 2D digital drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film International Father’s Day

Helen UNT (Estonia)

The graduation film Chicks on the Highway
2012, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Chicks on the Highway

Mattias MÄLK (Estonia)

The graduation film Tutu Funnytooth
2011, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn, Ülo Pikkov

Still image from the film Tutu Funnytooth

2011

Stella SALUMAA (Estonia)

The graduation film Packed Like Sardines
2010, drawn animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

The first-year film Good Night!
2010, puppet animation, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film Packed Like Sardines

2010

Ingrida PIČUKANE (Latvia)

The graduation film Zima
2010, puppet animation, supervisors Priit Pärn and Riho Unt

Still image from the film Zima

Samuli RÅMAN (Finland)

The graduation filmApaja
2010, cut-out animation, supervisor Priit Pärn

The first-year filmDance of Light
2009, stop-motion, supervisor Ülo Pikkov

Still image from the film Apaja

Sondra LAMPMANN (Estonia)

The graduation film Back to Eden
2010, mixed technique, supervisor Priit Pärn

Still image from the film Back to Eden

Urte OETTINGER (Lithuania)

The graduation film Song of Songs
2010, painted on glass animation, supervisors Priit and Olga Pärn

Still image from the film Song of Songs

“I studied Master’s of Animation in EKA 2008-2010. It was the best study experience ever. I enjoyed the balance between professional lectures, one on one meetings with Olga and Priit Pärn and creative free time. Most of all, I am privileged to have great connections with the artists (both students and lectors) that I met in EKA during my studies. We still keep in touch” Urte Oettinger.