Biography

Daphna Awadish Golan is an award-winning animation filmmaker and illustrator based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Specializing in animated documentaries, she works as an independent illustrator and animator, creating deeply personal and visually striking narratives. Her latest film, Swimming With Wings, is quietly making waves at international film festivals, where it has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix du Jury at the Meknes International Animation Film Festival in Morocco, the ECFA Documentary Film Award at the Olympia International Film Festival and more. Daphna's previous short films, Journey Birds and Bear With Me, have also garnered attention at global festivals, winning accolades such as the Best Animation Award at the Jerusalem Film Festival and the Fantastic Award at the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film. Inspired by her experiences living in different countries, Daphna's work often explores the concept of 'home' through a mix of media, blending personal stories with a distinctive, intimate touch. Daphna holds a BA from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and an MA from St. Joost Master Institute of Visual Cultures. She was also a lecturer in the Animation Department at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam.