MOUVO in Prague emerged as a premier platform for audiovisual convergence, exploring the intersection of graphic design, film, animation, and technology through world-class talks and immersive experiences. Rooted in Prague’s creative scene since 2016, this milestone 10th-anniversary edition focused on Transformation, examining seismic shifts in Motion Design and digital storytelling through cutting-edge performances and interactive installations.
The MOUVO Squad. So Much Talent and Passion in One Shot!
Known for curating international luminaries like Danny Yount, GMunk, Buck, DixonBaxi, Nikita Diakur, and Motionographer®’s Founder Carlos El Asmar, the festival fosters a community where technologists and motion designers collaborate. Its conceptually driven programming—showcased in Center for Architecture and Metropolitan Planning, CAMP‘s projection arena—acts as a compelling lens into evolving creative practices, mirroring the tides of inspiration shaping contemporary Motion Design culture.
The Dancing House (a.k.a. Ginger and Fred) in Prague, Czechia
Czech This Out!
- What was the original vision for MOUVO when it started in 2016?
The idea behind MOUVO was to establish Prague as a Central European hub for the Motion Design community. We aimed to create a platform for like-minded professionals.
At the time, existing events in the region typically focused on graphic design, web development, or animation in isolation. What was missing was a dedicated platform for Motion Design, one that would respond to the rapid evolution of visual communication. The local education system, understandably, couldn’t adapt quickly enough due to a shortage of qualified experts.
MOUVO emerged to fill that gap. We envisioned a parallel platform—one that would reflect current trends, provide meaningful education, and inspire creatives across disciplines. There was already a vibrant community of people in the region who understood that staying relevant meant constantly learning. MOUVO became a space for those individuals to grow, connect, and learn from the very best in the industry.
Turned a Festival Into a Playground
- How has the festival grown from a one-day event into a broader platform?
One of the key drivers behind MOUVO’s growth was the overwhelming interest from the audience—our events were regularly sold out. This strong demand encouraged us to expand the program. We began adding more talks and offering hands-on workshops led by industry icons like The Designers Republic, as well as practical sessions focused on tools like Cinema4D and Houdini.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted by launching a video-on-demand section featuring past talks, making MOUVO’s content accessible to an even wider audience beyond the live event.
Beyond the conference itself, we also curated a Motion Design exhibition as part of the Brno Biennial of Graphic Design—likely the first exhibition in this region fully dedicated to Motion Design. It marked a significant step in positioning the field within the broader context of visual culture.
The visual identity of MOUVO has always reflected our playful and experimental approach. Each year, we introduce an interactive design element—whether on the website or at the venue—giving visitors something to engage with and experience beyond the screen. This interactivity has become a defining feature of the festival, embodying the spirit of Motion Design itself.
Oficina’s MOUVO Visual Identity. 2025 Poster
Not Just Another Festival: Mouvo’s Strategy for Staying Essential
- Were there any key moments or breakthroughs that helped MOUVO evolve?
Securing very prominent names in the industry was essential to establishing Mouvo as a world-class event. Visionaries like Danny Yount, GMunk, Buck, and Ash Thorp accepted our invitation to speak in Prague, helping to position the festival as a benchmark for quality content and thought leadership in Motion Design.
But everything shifted after the COVID-19 pandemic. The online space became saturated with tutorials and educational resources, making it easier than ever to learn independently, without significant investment right from home. We had to acknowledge that new reality.
What sets MOUVO apart now is the value of real, in-person encounters. We offer something the online space or distance can’t replicate: direct access to the leading voices in the field, meaningful conversations, and a carefully curated program that builds on the themes and discussions of past editions. We systematically map the evolution of visual communication, enriching the event with talks and discussions that help visitors understand where the field is heading.
Our goal is to offer a rich, layered experience—one that reflects the complexity and pace of the industry. We want people to come away with new insights, to see what has changed over the past year from multiple perspectives, and to feel part of a growing community facing the same creative and technological challenges.
Danny Yount, Main Titles Reel
OFICINA: The Studio That Built a Festival
- What role has Oficina played in shaping MOUVO’s identity?
MOUVO would not exist without the dedication and creative force of the Oficina team—there is no doubt about that. From the yearly visual identity to all visual outputs and the extensive organizational work behind the scenes, everything is powered by the studio’s energy and commitment.
The continued success of the event is reflected not only in its consistently sold-out editions but also in the recognition we’ve received from the wider creative community. A significant milestone was earning a few awards, like CGD, Brand Impact Award for the initiative—an acknowledgment of MOUVO’s cultural relevance and impact on both the local and international design scenes.
MOUVO is Oficina’s long-term passion project—a platform where we can experiment freely, implement what excites us, and explore new technologies and ideas in practice. Our goal has always been to create brand systems with the potential to grow and evolve, reflecting our vision of a modern, flexible visual identity. MOUVO is one of these projects that continues to grow and adapt while staying true to our creative vision.
Typography Takes a Walk on the Kinetic Side
Once Niche, Now Everywhere: The Expanding World of Motion Design
- How has the intersection of graphic design, film, animation, and technology changed since MOUVO began?
Let’s say a decade ago, the film and television industry were still the most prominent drivers of Motion Design, and projects for film and television were receiving the most attention. Longer formats like title sequences occupied Vimeo, and designers alike were searching for new inspiration in Vimeo Staff-picked pieces.
But the ubiquity of Motion Design throughout the whole media landscape was inevitable, and it grew out of a very specialized field that only a few companies can provide into an essential design skill. Becoming part of any UX interaction or out-of-home advertising. The format of video reels and vertical video has also adapted the dramaturgy and understanding of producing animation. And more and more motion designers discovered a medium of video games and interactive exhibitions to find new avenues of storytelling for a new kind of audience, which is also very interesting.
A Global Stage with a Local Soul
- What core values drive MOUVO and its mission?
From the beginning, our goal with MOUVO was clear: to bring the best creators from around the world together with a vibrant creative community in one place. We wanted to cultivate an atmosphere that was open and welcoming, while delivering an unforgettable experience, where you could listen to an inspiring talk by your design hero and then casually share a beer with them later that night.
MOUVO has always aimed to be a small, intimate event, not a large and impersonal gathering. We’ve focused on creating a friendly, personal environment where everyone feels welcome, finds something meaningful, leaves inspired, and returns has always been part of our big dream for MOUVO. We believe it has come true.
MOUVO 2024 Stage –in Motion–
Why Mouvo Still Feels New, Year After Year
- How do you ensure the festival remains fresh and relevant each year?
Of course, we spend a lot of time discussing the line-up and overall dramaturgy of the event. Our team is always on the lookout for fresh inspiration—whether online or by attending other conferences and festivals.
One of the ongoing challenges is finding new voices: speakers who are relevant, insightful, and not already overexposed on the design circuit. We actively seek out diverse perspectives across disciplines, looking for meaningful connections between emerging themes and current issues.
As creators ourselves, we face the same pressures as our audience—tight deadlines, demanding clients, shrinking budgets, the rise of AI, rapid technological shifts, and the constant challenge of balancing work and life. We take these shared realities seriously and aim to reflect them in the content we curate. Over time, we’ve learned to weave these experiences into the very heart of MOUVO, making each edition both timely and deeply relatable.
Let’s Talk More, Showcase Less
A Scenic City, a Smart Program, and No Ego in Sight
- What makes MOUVO unique compared to other design and tech conferences?
It is definitely its format that makes the lineup an all-star, visual experience at the top, but still, the size of the event offers room for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for everyone. That way it enables building connections and community, and doesn’t put a barrier in the middle of the star speakers and the anonymous audience.
It is also Prague, which is a beautiful city to visit and as we said before, the program is designed in a way that the attendee gets a complex overview of what is going on in the industry from all aspects.
Center for Architecture and Metropolitan Planning, CAMP, Prague
Themes That Matter, Voices That Surprise: Mouvo’s Curatorial Approach
- What makes MOUVO unique compared to other design and tech conferences?
We try to cover different areas of design, art, and technology so that each speaker brings a unique perspective to the table. That way, our line-up is a nice and fresh mixture with a variety of approaches and opinions, but interconnected with a theme that we always set. We try not to follow a specific trend or style, but keep the selection wide open, yet finding points of interconnection.
Proto-bot: Before AI, There Was the Golem
Where Ideas Move—Literally: Mouvo’s Experiential Design Approach
- How does MOUVO push the boundaries of digital communication and creative expression?
MOUVO places a strong emphasis on the fusion of art and technology, creating dynamic and engaging visuals that communicate complex ideas in innovative ways. Beyond the inspiration drawn from our speakers, we also offer insightful discussions and hands-on workshops.
Additionally, we are committed to developing our own interactive experiences—both large and small, online and at the venue. Notable projects have included installations like the LED wall behind Luxfera glass bricks, a robot game installation inspired by Golem (the first Artificial Intelligence created in Prague in the 17th century), and interactive opening sequences on stage.
Interact, and You’ll Gain Something
How a Prague Festival Became a Global Connector for Creatives
- What impact has MOUVO had on the creative community in Prague and globally?
Before platforms like Instagram and other social networks revolutionized the way creatives connect, there was a distinct lack of information, networking opportunities, and spaces for knowledge and skill-sharing in the region. MOUVO emerged as a crucial event for the industry to thrive in Central Europe. With all due modesty, we believe that MOUVO has played, and continues to play, a significant role in shaping visual communication in this part of the world.
Time & Motion: Exhibition Projection of Motion Design. Curated by MOUVO
Every year, we see more motion designers joining the local community, and an increasing number of people are interested in learning Motion Design skills. Some of our speakers have even been discovered by the local audience and gone on to contribute to public space installations. Our partner, Czech Centres, often selects a few speakers to support and collaborate with on projects like exhibitions, happenings, and other creative initiatives within their own countries.
When Motion Design Made the Walls: Mouvo’s Shift to Gallery Space
- Have any unexpected collaborations or projects emerged from MOUVO?
It was a delightful surprise when we were invited to curate and prepare the Motion Design exhibition at the Brno Biennial of Graphic Design. This opportunity allowed us to present the field in depth, from its historical roots to its contemporary applications.
In addition to an almost two-hour-long documentary film History of Motion Design —Editor’s Note: A Must-Experience!—, we also created an interactive guide that allowed visitors to filter by technique, genre, or year to explore a curated selection of the best Motion Design examples.
When Speakers Become Fans
- What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from past speakers or attendees?
The inaugural MOUVO was unforgettable—almost romantic.. After the final talk, the audience erupted in applause and cheers, giving us the determination and energy to keep pushing forward. But the real dopamine hit came from seeing a sold-out auditorium year after year, which continued to propel the entire team.
Also, one of the best moments is when a past speaker returns as an attendee at the next edition, simply because they believe it’s worth the visit. Last but not least, for the past 10 years, the same core team—Marek Cimbálník, Vítek Zemčík, Jan Netušil, Vlaďka Cimbálníková, Markéta Sasínová, Silvie Luběnová, Jiří Netušil, Jan Čechtický and Lukáš Fišárek—has been behind it all. We consider this consistency one of the most meaningful pieces of feedback, as Mouvo is truly a passion project for all of us.
MOUVO Visual Identity, 2016
MOUVO Visual Identity, 2017
MOUVO Visual Identity, 2018
Success, by Design—and by Devotion
- How do you measure the success of MOUVO beyond attendance numbers?
It’s always rewarding to listen to the discussions at the event and see how many people return to the conference year after year. It’s especially gratifying to see so many regular visitors—people who clearly understand the value that Mouvo brings to the community.
The MOUVO Manifesto: Unpacking Its Influence on Design Giants
- Has MOUVO influenced the way design and motion studios approach their work?
Of course, it’s essential to learn from the best and get a glimpse into their creative process. From the very beginning, designers like Danny Yount, Ash Thorp, and GMunk shared their ways of working, offering invaluable insights. After Ash Thorp’s talk, for example, you could often see a long queue of people eager to ask him even more questions, extending the conversation far beyond his presentation.
How a Design Hub Plans to Reshape the Industry
- What’s your vision for the next 5–10 years of MOUVO?
To stay relevant and continue being a platform that showcases the very best in Motion Design, digital art, and visual communication, our ambition is to push the boundaries even further. We aim to elevate not only top-level creative and technological skills but also to cultivate a healthy and inspiring environment. By integrating fields like social responsibility, philosophy, law, and sociology, we strive to build a community that is not only creative but also healthy and supportive.
MOUVO Visual Identity, 2019
MOUVO Visual Identity, 2020
MOUVO Visual Identity, 2022
Less AI, More A-Ha!
- How do you see AI, AR, and other emerging technologies shaping future editions?
While technology has always been a key driver of the topics we explore, it will remain an inevitable part of future editions. However, it will not be the central force shaping the theme. Instead, creativity, design, quirky ideas, and surprising solutions will continue to be the primary drivers when it comes to selecting speakers, curating content, and defining the overarching themes of the conference and its projects.
MOUVO’s Global Ambition: Bridging the Digital-Physical Divide
- Would you consider expanding MOUVO to other cities or a digital-first format?
It’s difficult to predict with certainty, as one of the most crucial aspects of the conference is the physical gathering—a creative hub and melting point that brings people together each year. While an online conference may not be the direction we choose, it’s possible that we could develop a different digital-first project, such as an exhibition, documentary, or streaming select talks, to extend the experience beyond the physical event.
Pablo Ferro, the legendary designer, born in Antilla, Cuba (1935-2018)
The Art of the Impossible: MOUVO’s Dream Roster of Creative Giants
- If you could invite any speaker, past or present, who would be your dream guest?
For the second edition, we had planned to host Pablo Ferro, a legendary person in the industry. Unfortunately, he fell ill and was unable to travel to Prague, and a year later, he passed away, making that one of our biggest missed opportunities. Names from the past, like Hans Richter, John Whitney, and Saul Bass, always come to mind as figures who shaped the foundation of the field. As for contemporary directors, we’d highlight Spike Jonze, Jonathan Glazer or Chris Cunningham—creatives whose groundbreaking work reshaped the industry with stunning, timeless ideas that transcended their time.
The MOUVO Machine
Beyond the Seats: How to Plug Into MOUVO’s World
- How can creatives and industry professionals get involved with MOUVO beyond attending the conference?
We’ve built a rich library of talks available as part of our VOD section on our website and on our YouTube channel, where you can access all past discussions for free. We also feature a website dedicated to the history of motion design, including a 2-hour educational film that maps its evolution. In addition, the playful MOUVO Machine a versatile tool available for rent, perfect for entertaining and informing attendees at any event or bringing any design vision to life. As we consider ourselves friendly, open people, we’re always happy to discuss potential collaborations and opportunities for cooperation.