Annecy’s prestigious International Animation Film Festival paid a vibrant and comprehensive tribute to Hungarian animation, celebrating its 111-year history and dynamic contemporary scene. Spearheaded by the National Film Institute (NFI) Hungary, the initiative transformed the city into a living exhibition of Hungarian animated art, with screenings, installations, and immersive experiences marking a standout international presence.
Marcel Jean, Artistic Director of the Annecy Festival, captured the spirit of the celebration, stating, “Levente Szabó has dressed the emblematic Annecy rabbit in the colours of Hungary. By honouring Hungarian animation, we are celebrating a rich cultural tradition that continues to evolve from generation to generation.” That colorful rabbit became a festival icon, with demand for themed merchandise so high that vendors received special authorization to produce T-shirts during the event.
The tribute featured more than 80 films, including restored classics and recent award-winning productions, many of which were presented under a new geodesic dome introduced specifically for this occasion. This venue offered immersive screenings that sold out throughout the festival, cementing the dome’s success as a first-of-its-kind experience at Annecy. The dome hosted international and Hungarian films, fostering cross-cultural engagement and experimentation with format and storytelling.
One highlight was the open-air screening of "Four Souls of Coyote" by Áron Gauder on the Pâquier. Additional programming included a curated selection of Hungarian music videos in the "Les As du clip" section, as well as a special “Making of” presentation for "Ruben Brandt, Collector" by Milorad Krstić.
Csaba Káel, Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Motion Picture Industry and Chairman of the NFI, emphasized the strategic and symbolic impact of the tribute. “We brought 80 films, many of which are restored classics, to showcase the heritage upon which today’s creators continue to build. We are especially proud that the Tribute program was developed and realized in close collaboration with key figures from Hungary’s animation community,” he said. “From the outset, our goal was to highlight both the deep-rooted tradition and the bold, innovative spirit of Hungarian animation. That’s why I’m particularly proud of our Tribute team, led by Ildikó Takács and Ákos Pesti, who introduced the festival’s first immersive dome.”
A unique addition to the festival experience was the street exhibition "Hunimation Hits the Streets," curated by Daniel Huszár. With support from the NFI, film characters from iconic and modern Hungarian animation appeared throughout Annecy’s public spaces, blending into the city’s architecture and bringing the animated tradition to a broader audience. Works from renowned contemporary artists such as Réka Bucsi, Péter Vácz, Luca Tóth, and Balázs Turai were featured, along with characters from beloved titles like "The Masters of Time," "Cat City," and the "Hungarian Folk Tales" series.
To support continued international engagement, the tribute also marked the launch of Hunimation.com, the first English-language professional website dedicated to Hungarian animation. Developed by the Friss Hús Budapest Short Film Festival with support from the NFI, the platform presents 75 works from 24 Hungarian studios, offering a digital gateway to one of Europe’s most enduring and creative animation ecosystems.
Program Director Ildikó Takács described the experience as a milestone for Hungary’s presence on the global animation stage: “The green Hungarian rabbit conquered Annecy. If we wanted to get into a party, it was enough to say we were Hungarian. This experience and the attention surrounding us were unforgettable.”
With sold-out screenings, interactive exhibitions, and a strong international response, Hungary’s tribute at Annecy reaffirmed its historic and contemporary influence in global animation. The initiative also set the stage for future co-productions and international partnerships, as Hungary continues to invest in its creative industries and global storytelling power.
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