"The requirement was to create a sense of connection, that's what FMX is all about", says director Julian Mehn about the FMX 2026 trailer. „We wanted something unexpected to happen in an everyday situation, and our concept artist came up with the idea of the bus growing legs.” The transforming vehicle is just one of many quotes: “The trailer really is a tribute to those who have inspired us”, says Julian, “there is ,Shape of Water‘ in the raindrops and ,Avatar‘ in the hovering rocks.”

The biggest challenge proved to be the last shot, which now is the FMX Key Visual – "because it literally shows the ROAD AHEAD”, Julian states. “It should look hopeful, not threatening or gloomy, like a world you want to get into. That’s why the sunrise was very important to us.”

Time was very limited, so the team went as practical as possible. "We parked the bus in the Filmakademie yard for a week to shoot the inside scenes and to scan the vehicle to be able to rebuild it digitally", says Julian. "We had some interesting moments, once it started snowing, which didn't fit in at all with the summer night we are showing.”

The bus is able to communicate in an alien language. “First we just put the word ,Somewhere’ on the route display”, says Julian, “but it didn’t feel right. We needed to work within the mysterious dimension of the plot. So we developed a full alphabet.”

Another noteworthy detail is the bespoke film score, recorded live with an orchestra in Sofia. "A lot of work and a lot of love from a lot of people went into this trailer, and it really is a great honor", says Julian. "We really hope it gets people in the mood for the conference sessions."

A key feature of FMX is the participation of its partners: companies and creatives give tech insights, present projects, highlight services and showcase the latest tools.

There will be masterclasses led by industry professionals and one-on-one sessions to receive personal insights and feedback. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the campus, meet students, and visit the Diploma Showroom of Animationsinstitut.

FMX On Campus is designed as a bonus offer open to all FMX attendees, especially students and faculty - bringing the spirit of FMX directly back to its roots.