Directed by Tomás Lunák, the film is based on the first modern graphic novel to be published in the Czech Republic. Set in the European summer of 1989, it tells the story of Alois Nebel, a lonely train dispatcher at a small railway station on the Czechoslovak border who generally leads a quite life. Sometimes when the fog rolls in, however, he is haunted by visions from the dark days of 1945.

One day, a silent stranger appears at the station and propels Alois on the journey to resolving his nightmares, meeting a new love on the way.

“We’re incredibly excited to premiere such an acclaimed film this year,” said Deb Szapiro, program curator, UTS: SIAF.

“It’s an outstanding piece, and representative of the diverse range of storytelling that animation can bring to the screen. Alois Nebel is a beautifully designed, edgy, complex and mature example of how powerful animated storytelling can be.

“It’s a wonderful complement to the rest of the program, which features some of the best short animation from around the world.”

Along with festival favourites such as the International Programs, highlights of home-grown animation, kids animation and the ever, well, bizarre Late Night Bizarre sessions, the 2012 UTS: SIAF will also feature a range of specialty programming.

The festival will also feature a presentation by Animal Logic’s Rob Coleman and a panel discussion for the industry – how to balance business and creativity.

Alois Nebel (English language) screens at 7.30pm on Sunday 14th October 2012, at the University of Technology, Sydney. For full festival program details and tickets, visit www.siaf.uts.edu.au