Video Intreview with Nickel International Film Festival
The Wedding Veil of the Proud Princess review at HeyUGuys
The Wedding Veil of the Proud Princess reviews on Letterboxd
Johanne at Young Talents Programme at APD (Animation Production Days) in Stuttgart
Rebel's Daydream (2013) at PreRaphaelite Sisterhood
Prof. Paul Wells on 'The Rebel's Daydream' (2013): "I simply loved the ways in which what I have always
deemed the over-wrought and over-stated aspects in Pre-Raphaelite paintings and synchronous
modes of poetry are here used to dramatize romantic yearning and expression"
The Last Cloudweaver (2022)
Notable screenings:
Manchester Film Festival 2023
Montreal International Animation Film Festival ANIMAZE 2023
Children's Film Festival Seattle 2023
New York Shorts International Film Festival 2022
Tbilisi International Animation Festival 2022
Animatex Egypt 2022
Athens Animfest 2023
Johanne (2017)
Notable screenings:
Anibar Animation Festival 2017
British Animation Film Festival 2017
Imaginaria 2017
Stockholm Independent Film Festival 2017
Cartoons on the Bay 2017
The Rebel's Daydream (2013) notable screenings:
New Media Film Festival 2014
The Wedding Veil of the Proud Princess (2024)
Awards:
Foyle Film Festival 2024 - BAFTA Qualifying
SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2024
Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire 2024
FantaElx 2024
Ravenheart Film Festival 2024
Wigan and Leigh Film Festival 2024
Notable screenings:
Seattle International Film Festival 2025 - Oscar Qualifying
Cleveland International Film Festival 2025 - Oscar Qualifying
SPARK Animation 2024 - Oscar Qualifying
Rhode Island International Film Festival 2025 - BAFTA Qualifying
Animafilm International Animation Festival 2024 - BAFTA Qualifying
Fantasia Film Festival 2024
Imagine Fantastic FIlm Festival 2024
Filmquest 2024
Frightfest 2024
British Shorts 2025
Animation Dingle 2025
Tirana Film Festival 2024
FOR PROFESSIONALS
I direct, produce, and often write independent animated films for festival distribution. Each project is built with a dedicated team of highly skilled artists whose vision and craft I trust wholeheartedly. If you're such an artist and feel a resonance with my films, I’d love to hear from you.
FOR ASPIRING CREATORS
I also take on pro bono work when I can, especially in support of newcomers to the industry, or like-minded writers, designers, and directors who need resources to bring their projects to life. Depending on the needs of the project, I can contribute as a developmental writer, director, producer, or mentor. If you think I could be of help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
FOR CLIENTS
I have extensive experience working on client projects, from developing pitch bibles to producing finished animated films. I care deeply about this work and would be happy to help bring your vision to life, so please do reach out.
Hi, I’m Anna-Ester Volozh - Ester for short - a London-based director and producer of animated film.
I’ve been drawn to animation since I was five. To me, it is the ultimate narrative art form. Having initially taken a more practical route with a BA in Economics, I eventually realigned with what truly inspired me, completing an MA in Animation at Arts University Bournemouth in 2013.
In 2015, I founded Dragonbee, a boutique animation studio in London where we created both commercial and independent films with a close-knit team. Since 2024, I’ve returned to freelance work, carrying with me the experience of running a studio, and embracing the creative agility of working solo.
Favourite films: Angel's Egg (dir. Mamoru Oshii), The Tale of Princess Kaguya (dir. Isao Takahata), The Last Unicorn (dir. Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin).
If you’re an artist interested in collaborating or just want to connect about the work, please get in touch:
email: anna.ester.volozh@gmail.com