The Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market (MIFA) commenced setting the stage for a week-long celebration of animated cinema from across the globe. The festival team, supported by 600 dedicated volunteers, is poised to welcome over 17,000 attendees from 104 countries. This year’s edition promises a fusion of encounters, discoveries, and experiences, spotlighting the creativity and ingenuity that define the world of animation.
The festival kicked off with an opening ceremony showcasing Michel Hazanavicius' film, “The Most Precious of Cargoes”, a competing entry. Over the next seven days, the festival’s official juries will undertake the task of selecting winners for the Cristal Awards and several special awards sponsored by partners.
In addition to industry-focused events, the Annecy Festival offers an array of programming for the general public. This year’s lineup, announced last month, promises a diverse collection of screenings and activities designed to engage audiences of all ages and interests. The festivities began on June 9, with the “Annecy s’anime” series, which includes film previews, open-air screenings, and a variety of other events. Highlighted films include “Panda Bear in Africa”, “Blue Lock the Movie: Episode Nagi”, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, “The Garfield Movie”, and “Inside Out 2”.
In collaboration with the City of Annecy, the festival emphasizes themes of inclusion, diversity, and difference through its programming. On June 12, the festival will host the “Difference Animates the Festival” program, featuring conferences, screenings, and workshops accessible to all. Additionally, as part of the Disability and Mobility initiative, select screenings will offer subtitled versions to accommodate the deaf and hard of hearing.
The open-air screenings at Le Pâquier will present a selection of classic and award-winning animated films. This year’s lineup includes 14 screenings that invite festival-goers to enjoy animation in an outdoor setting.
As the current Annecy Festival Residency for 2024 concludes on June 28, attention now turns to the upcoming Residency for 2025. This initiative, supported by the Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the Département de la Haute-Savoie, the Drac Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and the CNC, fosters the development of animated feature films.
Three projects from the 2024 Residency – “Le Cabanon de l'oncle Jo”, “Zako”, and “Insectarium” – will be showcased at the MIFA during the Partners Pitch event on June 11 at the Impérial Palace. As preparations for the 2025 Residency begin, applications are open until September 10, 2024. Selected participants will gain access to a creative workspace at Les Papeteries – Image Factory, mentorship tailored to their project needs, and support from CITIA, the festival’s organizing body. The new cohort will start their three-month residency on April 4, 2025.
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