“What’s up Next?” is a series of articles and interviews meant to better showcase the trajectories of our Next Talents.
We are meeting the 2025-2026 generation in two key moments: at the start of their trajectory – focussing on finding out more about the artists and what they expect from the program, and at the end of their course, discussing the things they picked up on the way.
With this first interview we are introducing you to animator and illustrator Zlatelina Tsokova.
Zlatelina Tsokova is a freelance animator and illustrator, originally from Bulgaria, but based in the Netherlands. “I began my artistic journey with a Bachelor of Design at Minerva Art Academy in Groningen, specialising in animation and illustration” Zlatelina says. “During my studies, I completed an internship at the animation studio Big Pixel, followed by another at a small educational company, both of which gave me valuable insight into the industry. I’ve always been drawn to the field of film and animation, and my time at the academy confirmed that for me this was the path to pursue professionally.
After completing my Bachelor’s, I wanted to further develop my animation and storytelling skills, so I enrolled in the Master’s program in Animation at MIVC St. Joost in Den Bosch, where I graduated with my animated short film Tech Check.”
This same film, which was also included in PIFF 2025 Student Competition, happens to hold a special place in Zlatelina’s heart: “Tech Check brings together my artistic vision and the recurring themes I enjoy exploring in my work. At its core, the story deals with anxiety escalating into a full-blown train apocalypse. The film serves as a metaphor for the high-speed, high-pressure world we live in and its impact on mental health. My goal was to create a short animated psychological thriller that, despite the tension, ends on a positive note, suggesting that even if we can’t stop the chaos of the outside world, we do have the power to choose how we respond to it.”
We asked Zlatelina to share with us more insights about her artistic vision: “As a creator, I like to explore a wide range of styles, techniques, and genres, all the way from comedy to horror, while embracing the many possibilities animation and storytelling have to offer. I believe my greatest strength is being a person of contrasts, both in life and in my artistic practice.
The phrase ‘Even anarchy needs structure’ sums me up well as I’m someone who thrives in chaos but also values structure, always trying to find the right balance. My work centres on visual development and 2D animation, often defined by raw, expressive visuals. A big part of my inspiration comes from punk and rave culture, horror, anime, and philosophy.
I’m especially drawn to stories that dive into the human experience and explore how the mind’s descent into chaos can alter our perception of reality.”
We also asked Zlatelina about some of the artists inspiring her. “Lately, I’ve found great inspiration in the work of animator and director Rodrigo Goulão de Sousa, particularly his approach to animated horror in Adult Swim’s short series Uncanny Alley. What I admire most is how he prioritises mood and tension over exposition, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps. I also appreciate his use of static shots and limited animation to create a distinct rhythm and psychological intensity.
When it comes to concepts and storytelling, I’m often inspired by surreal and absurd ideas, so much that my dreams have become a never-ending source of inspiration.”
Recounting how she learnt about the Next Program, Zlatelina says “I first encountered Playgrounds and was immediately captivated by the scale of the event and the vibrant community it brings together. Since then, I’ve become a regular visitor to the festival. During my Master’s studies, I discovered the Next Talent Program through my teacher, Leon van Rooij, as well as several alumni who had been part of it. I was struck by how significantly Next had helped them shape their careers. At a time when I felt overwhelmed by the hectic nature of the industry, I realised I needed that kind of support and guidance.”
“Within my Next trajectory”, she continues “I would like to take the first steps towards developing my debut film. I intend to take the time to build a thoughtful, well-structured project and carefully plan how to bring it to life. With the guidance of Next’s coaches and mentors, I hope to refine my storytelling, enhance my creative process and online presence, and expand my professional network beyond its current scope in order to lay a strong foundation for a sustainable career in animation.
Moreover, having always loved cinema, I’m eager to become more involved in the world of film and animation festivals, not just to showcase my own work, but to learn, connect, and be continually inspired by stories from around the world.”
We also wanted to know who would be Zlatelina’s dream mentor. “If I could choose anyone in the world for a mentoring session, it would be Margherita Premuroso. Her work blends traditional techniques with modern animation in a way that feels both deeply personal and professionally refined. I admire how she moves effortlessly between commercial projects and personal work while maintaining a strong, consistent artistic voice. I’d love to learn how she develops her ideas, how she balances creative expression with client demands, and how she preserves her artistic identity across different types of projects. I believe she would offer invaluable insight into building a meaningful and lasting career in animation while staying true to yourself and your style.”
Given that Margherita Premuroso was actually a guest during our In Motion festivals, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for a meeting between them to actually happen at some point in the future. In the meantime though, we are keeping a close eye on Zlatelina’s projects as, even now, they are nothing short of spectacular themselves!