The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF)—the world’s leading children’s publishing and content event—is set to make its first-ever appearance at the Annecy International Animation Festival, from June 23 to 26, on the section of its Market, MIFA.
Located strategically in the newly established “Cross IP Area” (First Floor, Booth B.05), the BCBF delegation is bringing its comprehensive transmedia ecosystem to animation professionals. The dedicated space will feature the TV/Film Rights Centre, the Games Business Centre, the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, and the recently launched Toy Lounge (new for 2026). This robust offering positions the booth as a mandatory stop for audiovisual producers looking to discover, acquire, and adapt children’s intellectual property across multiple formats.
To maximize the intersection between print and pixels, BCBF has partnered with Mimaster Illustrazione to present the «Illustrator Survival Corner». This curated initiative features a packed schedule of masterclasses, panels, workshops, and portfolio reviews designed specifically for MIFA attendees, exploring the seamless transition of IP across visual platforms.
On Tuesday 23, the programming kicks off with a focus on cross-format adaptation. Illustrator and concept artist Alida Pintus will lead a masterclass titled Between Print & Pixels: Moving Across Different Media, followed by an afternoon workshop on building characters for the cross-media era.
A major highlight of the day will be the IP Crossroads panel at the Parc de l’Impérial Palace, featuring MIFA partners and Elena Pasoli, Director of the Culture B.U. and Director of BCBF at BolognaFiere Group. Later, industry veterans including Giona Dapporto (FOORE Srl), Marco Grifoni (Palomar Spa), Marianna Panebarco (Panebarco), and Franco Serra (Gertie) will discuss how IPs fly across borders and media, moderated by BCBF consultant Cristina Angelucci.
On Wednesday 24, the day delves into the dialogue between publishers, creators, and animation studios. Beatrice Fini, Director of the Children’s and YA Division at Giunti Editore, alongside author Paola Myriam Visconti, will explore the book-to-screen pipeline.
The day also highlights digital success stories, featuring a comprehensive case study by SIO (Simone Albrigi) and FRAFFROG (Francesca Presentini), co-founders of Gigaciao, who will share their journey from comics and YouTube to publishing and animation. In the afternoon, Pietro Pinetti, CEO of Studio Bozzetto, will provide an inside look at how creativity translates into the global market during his dedicated masterclass.
The final day of the BCBF program centers on hands-on development and project feedback. SIO and FRAFFROG will return for a masterclass connecting comics to animation, specifically highlighting projects like Mega Tree, Majokko, and Dragon Village. The event will conclude with the Brick-O-Scope workshop led by director, animator, and motion designer Giacomo Manzotti.
Throughout the three days, exclusive portfolio review sessions will be conducted by industry leaders, providing emerging talents and established creators with direct access to top-tier publishers, animators, and concept artists.
