The Annecy Festival is set to captivate audiences once again from June 9th to 15th, 2024. Last year, the festival saw record attendance with nearly 16,000 badgeholders from over 100 countries, including 6,000 professionals at its market, Mifa (Marché international du film d’animation). This year reunites once again all the execs from the entire animation industry chain production segment.
This year’s festival will pay a special tribute to Portuguese animation, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Throughout the week, top talents in Portuguese animation will be showcased, including seven special programs curated by experts such as Fernando Galrito, the director of the Lisbon International Animation Festival – La Monstra. Additionally, three Portuguese professionals will join the festival’s juries, whose full list will be revealed soon.
A unique highlight for 2024 is the integration of dance into the festival’s theme. The «Choreographies: Animation and Dance» section will explore the intersection of these two movement-based arts, showcasing how dance has influenced animation filmmakers. This thematic focus underscores the festival’s dedication to innovative and diverse artistic expressions.
A major new feature of the festival is the «Annecy Presents» section. This non-competitive category will introduce a wide range of feature films suitable for all audiences, particularly younger viewers. This initiative aims to highlight the diversity of global animation production, offering festivalgoers a broader spectrum of cinematic experiences.
Among the screening events, highlight Hola Frida, by André Kadi, Karine Vézina and produced by Tobo Média, Du Coup Production, Haut et Court Distribution. Also The legendary couturier Jean-Paul Gaultier & nWave Studios present their feature film project
Meanwhile on the «Making of» sessions, Common Side Effects (created by Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, and produced by King of the Hill) will screen the entire first episode of this eagerly awaited new series exclusively at Festival. And WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko (directed by Dave Mullins and produced by Electroleague), a short film, inspired by the iconic song «Happy Xmas (War Is Over),» will be presented by its creators, highlighting its journey to winning the Oscar® for Best Animated Short Film.
MIFA
In a bid to support its ever-growing audience, the festival will expand its operations to four additional cinema theaters and introduce morning screenings at 8:30 AM. The International Animation Film Market (Mifa), taking place from June 11th to 14th, will also see significant enhancements. A new XR&Games Area will be dedicated to the fusion of animation, immersive content, and video gaming, offering a space for cutting-edge technological, artistic, and narrative explorations.
The Mifa will continue to bolster its educational and professional development offerings through the expanded Campus Mifa program. With Regina Pessoa, an acclaimed Portuguese animation artist, as the new patron, the Campus will feature numerous talent panels and recruitment sessions, solidifying Mifa as a premier event for discovering new animation talents.
Additionally, the XR&Games Area, located near the Imperial Palace and Campus Mifa, will host a variety of events including masterclasses, competitions, and conferences focused on video gaming and immersive content. This area will also unveil an award for the best video game cinematic, highlighting the festival’s commitment to celebrating excellence in all forms of animated storytelling.
With these exciting new additions and a diverse array of programming, the Annecy Festival 2024 is set to continue its legacy as a leading platform for celebrating the best in international animation. Attendees can look forward to a week of innovative screenings, insightful discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities on the picturesque shores of Lake Annecy.
