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Annecy Festival 2025 Official Selection announced
The Festival press conference, organised by the CNC, has just ended. Mickaël Marin, CEO of CITIA, and Marcel Jean, Artistic Director, presented the Official Selection, Screening Events, the new features for 2025 and other highlights of this year's progamme, which will be held from 8th to 14th June. “After a historic 2024 edition, with a record attendance of 17,400 badgeholders, and all this despite a difficult context for the industry, we have worked with renewed determination to make the 2025 edition stronger, open and ambitious – to assist the revival”, emphasised Mickaël Marin in the introduction.
Festival 8-14 June 2025
Mifa 10-13 June 2025
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Out of the 130 high-quality films submitted, Marcel Jean revealed 21 feature films in the Official Selection:
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In the Official competition
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Allah is Not Obliged by Zaven Najjar, based on the book of the same name by Ahmadou Kourouma – WIP 2024 (Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg)
"For his first feature film, Zaven Najjar rose to the challenge of adapting Ahmadou Kourouma's novel Allah is Not Obliged. It's a tall order given the book's raw, unusual language, which the director manages to preserve in this first-person narrative of a child soldier."
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A Magnificent Life by Sylvain Chomet, based on Confidences by Marcel Pagnol (France, Luxembourg, Belgium) – release date 15th October 2025 – Wild Bunch Distribution
"Sylvain Chomet makes his comeback with this feature film dedicated to Marcel Pagnol. It is such a delight to see the filmmaker's sophisticated graphics again, and for the first time he uses dialogue to capture the musical Marseille accent."
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Arco by Ugo Bienvenu (France)
"True to his graphic style, Ugo Bienvenu offers us an astonishing first science-fiction feature film for all the family, in which a 10-year-old girl takes in a boy of the same age from the future."
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ChaO by Yasuhiro Aoki (Japan)
"This whimsical tale comes to us from Japan, with its assertive graphic style and bold colours, somewhat reminiscent of Masaaki Yuasa and Taiyō Matsumoto."
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Dandelion's Odyssey by Momoko Seto – WIP 2024 (Belgium, France) – release 2026 – GEBEKA Films
"It is an understatement to say that Momoko Seto's debut feature was eagerly awaited! We are delighted to discover that, from the very first seconds of the film, we were fascinated by this original imagery, a skilful blend of scientific shooting techniques and digital animation. Like dandelion seeds, we are hurtling along a strange and perilous journey…"
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Death Does Not Exist by Félix Dufour-Laperrière – WIP 2024 (Canada, France)
"Félix Dufour-Laperrière, who won an award in the Contrechamp selection in 2021 with Archipel, returns to Annecy with his third feature. Visually stunning, the film plunges us into the torments of a young woman haunted by guilt following an attack that went wrong."
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Into the Mortal World by Zhong Ding (China)
"This is yet another demonstration of the exceptional expertise of Chinese studios. Into the Mortal World is intended for all audiences, a spectacular, funny film, full of action and emotion."
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Little Amélie or the Character of Rain by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, based on The Character of Rain, by Amélie Nothomb – WIP 2023 (France) – release date 25th June 2025 – Haut et Court
"For their first feature film, Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han adapted Amélie Nothomb's novel with finesse and sensitivity. A dazzling offering, brought to life by both the magical script and Mari Fukuhara's music, the film will appeal to audiences of all ages."
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Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake by Irene Iborra, based on the work by Maite Carranza La vie est un film – WIP 2024 (Belgium, Chile, Spain, France) – release date 21st January 2026 – KMBO
"One of the great surprises of the selection! This is the only stop-motion feature film in the Official competition, Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake intelligently and skilfully addresses children tackling an essential social reality without pettiness or sentimentality."
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The Last Blossom by Baku Kinoshita – WIP 2024 (Japan)
"The Last Blossom is set in the yakuza underworld and evokes the atmosphere of some of Takeshi Kitano's films (Hana-bi, Sonatine). An opportunity to discover a truly unique director, Baku Kinoshita."
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In the Contrechamp competition
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Balentes by Giovanni Columbu (Italy)
"A delightful discovery, this unique film follows two children in the 1940s Sardinian countryside. A moving and gripping experience due to its interesting subject matter and experimental form."
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Endless Cookie by Seth Scriver and Pete Scriver (Canada)
"Seth Scriver brought us Asphalt Watches in competition in 2014, now he's back this year with Endless Cookie, co-directed with his half-brother Pete Scriver. In a bursting, humorous style, it parallels the differences between the experience of the two brothers, one white and the other Native."
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Jinsei by Ryuya Suzuki (Japan)
"Ryuya Suzuki's first feature film reminds us of the minimalist visual aesthetics of On-Gaku: Our Sound by Kenji Iwaisawa. Jinsei is an uncompromising social satire that examines identity and the meaning of life. Through a videotape, the viewer becomes witness to a man's life who has no history and is in search of an identity."
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Lesbian Space Princess by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese (Australia)
"This wacky comedy comes to us from Australia, where the title already says it all. Directed by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, Lesbian Space Princess is both delightful and surprising."
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Memory Hotel by Heinrich Sabl (Germany, France)
"In his highly stylized debut feature, German Director Heinrich Sabl transports us to 1945, to a strange hotel where little Sophie encounters horrors, loses her memory and finds it again, while history's tragedy is played out all around her."
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Nimuendajú by Tania Anaya (Brazil, Peru)
"Out of Brazil comes this astonishing Curt Unckel biopic, the famous German ethnologist and writer christened Nimuendajú by the Guarani people in 1906. Director Tania Anaya succeeds in capturing this man's deep commitment as he witnessed first-hand the persecution suffered by the indigenous people."
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Olivia & the Clouds by Tomás Pichardo Espaillat (Dominican Republic)
"Tomás Pichardo Espaillat's fourth selection for Annecy is the first animated feature to come out of the Dominican Republic, an amazing journey between four characters and even more animation techniques."
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Space Cadet by Eric San, aka Kid Koala, adapts his own graphic novel (Canada)
"For his first feature film, musician Eric San (Kid Koala) adapts his own graphic novel, published in 2011. It features Celeste, the orphaned daughter of a famous astronaut, raised by a robot guardian and herself destined for space exploration. A film for all the family that tackles the subject of memory."
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Tales from the Magic Garden by David Sukup, Patrik Pašš, Leon Vidmar, Jean-Claude Rozec (Czech Republic, France, Slovakia, Slovenia). Release spring 2026 – GEBEKA Films
"Four directors from four countries join forces to create a bundle of tales spotlighting the imagination. We're almost surprised to find so much cohesion in this children's film, whose very genesis proves that across different origins and cultures, collaboration and understanding are possible."
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The Great History of Western Philosophy by Aria Covamonas (Mexico)
"Aria Covamonas, an unclassifiable filmmaker, openly uses several great historical figures to deliver a delirious satire using collage with surrealist overtones."
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The Square by Bo-Sol Kim (South Korea)
"This is perhaps the most unexpected film of the selection. The forbidden love story between a Swedish diplomat and a young North Korean woman, under the watchful eye of his interpreter and, no doubt, the secret services."
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Discover the Feature Films in Competition in the 2025 Offcial Selection.
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This conference was also the opportunity to reveal the Festival Opening programme, which includes five world premiering short films and in competition in 2025, as a tribute to all the directors who choose this format to express themselves.
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La Vie avec un idiot (Alexandra USHEV) / 9 Million Colours (Bára Anna STEJSKALOVÁ) / The Girl Who Cried Pearls (Maciek SZCZERBOWSKI) / Star Wars: Visions – "Black" (Shinya OHIRA) / Carcassonne-Acapulco (Marjorie CAUP, Olivier HERAUD)
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In addition to Michel Gondry, who will also be giving a Masterclass on Sunday 9th June, two other esteemed figures will receive an Honorary Cristal: Joanna Quinn, who will be honoured at the Opening Ceremony for her body of work, and Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons.
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Michel Gondry / Joanna Quinn / Matt Groening – Photos : RR
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Some of what's new for 2025:
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A selection of short films, the Midnight Shorts will join the feature films selected in the Midnight Specials section, for a deep dive into the filmmakers' radical, daring, weird and wonderful film world.
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The Annecy Dôme, a new cosy, temporary 32-seat room to enjoy immersive experiences in the best possible way right at the heart of the city centre.
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Free exhibitions for everyone
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Once again this year the Festival will be garnishing the city with many free exhibitions.
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Among them in the centre of Le Pâquier next to the lake, "Arcane at Annecy 2025 – Exclusive Exhibition" – produced by Fortiche Production, Riot Games and the Annecy Festival – will take a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and production of one of the most striking and award-winning animation series for adults in recent years.
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Screening Events
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5 sneak previews:
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Animal Farm by Andy Serkis, adaptation of Animal Farm by George Orwell – Monday 9th June
"Published in 1945, George Orwell's dystopian novel was famously adapted by John Halas and Joy Batchelor in 1954. Now, 71 years later, Andy Serkis has created a film that is more relevant than ever, with a message that resonates powerfully with the turpitudes of today's society."
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Maya, Give Me Another Title by Michel Gondry (release date 18th June 2025 – The Jokers) – Monday 9th June in the presence of the director.
"Michel Gondry is back, continuing his transatlantic creative dialogue with his daughter Maya. Other titles, other stories... and a new film!"
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Falcon Express by Jean-Christian Tassy and Benoît Daffis, a new feature film by TAT Productions (release date 2nd July 2025 – Apollo Films) – Tuesday 10th June
"Take Die Hard, replace the building with a crazy train, the terrorists with a badger and Bruce Willis with a resourceful raccoon... The result is Falcon Express, with the added expertise of French TAT Productions (The Jungle Bunch, Pattie and the Wrath of Poseidon). It's set to be one of the summer's blockbusters, and you'll have seen it at Annecy before anyone else!"
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The Songbird's Secret by Antoine Lanciaux, the new film by Folimage, the studio based in Valence (release date 22nd October 2025 – GEBEKA Films) – Wednesday 11th June in the presence of the director
"The adventurous spirit takes centre stage in this film in which little Lucie sheds light on her family history, a treat for young and old alike."
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Fixed by Genndy Tartakovsky, of which he presented the first look at Annecy in 2023 (worldwide release date 13th August 2025 – Netflix) – Wednesday 11th June in the presence of the director
"Do you know Freud? Does castration anxiety ring a bell? Thanks to Genndy Tartakovsky and his character – a dog aptly named Bull – we're thrown into the middle of one hell of a rodeo, where the bull is taken not so much by the horns as by the balls!"
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Maya, Give Me Another Title (Michel Gondry) / The Songbird's Secret (Antoine Lanciaux) / Fixed (Genndy Tartakovsky) / Animal Farm (Andy Serkis) / Falcon Express (Jean-Christian Tassy & Benoît Daffis)
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Some exclusive first looks by leading studios:
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Netflix
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"Next on Netflix Animation": From Stranger Things to In Your Dreams, with a first look at the animation series project Stranger Things presented by its Showrunner Eric Robles and some extracts from the family feature film In Your Dreams written and directed by Alex Woo (broadcast scheduled for autumn 2025) in the presence of Hanna Minghella and John Derderian – Wednesday 11th June
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A conversation with Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of BoJack Horseman and Undone, about his new Netflix series Long Story Short and screening of an episode – Thursday 12th June
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Sony Pictures Animation
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A first look at Sony Pictures Animation's GOAT from Tyree Dillihay and co-director Adam Rosette, an animated comedy set in an all-animal world (to be released in France in February 2026), in the presence of Director Tyree Dillihay and Producer Michelle Raimo Kouyate – Monday 9th June
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DreamWorks Animation
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First look at Bad Guys 2 directed by Pierre Perifel and co-directed by Juan Pablo Sans (release date 30th July 2025 – U.P.I France), in the presence of Director Pierre Perifel – Wednesday 11th June
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"As a French filmmaker, unveiling exclusive footage of our upcoming movie The Bad Guys 2 in Annecy is truly a dream come true, especially since for an entire week, that city and festival become the epicenter of the animation world.” – Pierre Perifel
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Warner Bros. Animation
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"Creating Creativity: Celebrating 25 Years of Cartoon Network Studios" to celebrate the studio that challenged industry norms and defined animation for a generation of fans. This special session will bring together several of its visionary creators for a conversation about the history, future and enduring legacy of Cartoon Network Studios.
With Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Laboratory), Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls), Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time), Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe), J.G. Quintel (Regular Show), Adam Muto (Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake) – Tuesday 10th June
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The Walt Disney Company
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As announced, the Festival will be hosting Pete Docter (Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios) and Jared Bush (Creative Director at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Director and Scriptwriter of Zootopia 2), and also the renowned Director of Walt Disney Studios, Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog), Creator of The Simpsons Matt Groening. Throughout the week, many of the creative talents behind some highly anticipated titles, including Walt Disney Animation Studios' Zootopia 2, Elio from Pixar Animation Studios, Eyes of Wakanda by Marvel Animation and The Simpsons by 20th Television Animation, will be present at the Festival to reveal brand-new footage.
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Bat‑Fam – Warner Bros. Animation
A behind-the-scenes look at the artistic development and production of this highly-anticipated series (sequel to Merry Little Batman), which follows Batman, Alfred and young Damian Wayne, as well as some newcomers to Wayne Manor – soon on Prime Video – Friday 13th June
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Eyes of Wakanda – Marvel Animation
A conversation with Todd Harris about this four-episode series, of which the first episode will be screened (see Disney PR) – Monday 9th June
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Falcon Express – TAT Productions
Jean‑Christian Tassy and Benoît Daffis – Thursday 12th June
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From Epic to Irreverent – Ankama Animations
A world premiere of three new productions Wakfu, Welsh & Shedar and MORSHIKEN – Thursday 12th June
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Ruben Brandt, Collector – Ruben Brandt, LTD
As part of the tribute to Hungarian animation, a Making of with Director Milorad Krstić and Producer Radmila Roczkov, to discuss the genesis of the film and understand the challenges of creating a work that makes so many references to painting and cinema – Tuesday 10th June
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Smiling Friends – Adult Swim
A presentation of Season 3 of the series (which an episode from season 2 was in competition in 2024) in the presence of Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel – Wednesday 11th June
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7 Bears – Folivari
A presentation of the series by Guillaume Rio – Thursday 12th June
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Annecy Presents
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This non-competitive category launched last year, enables the general public and families to discover 13 sneak preview films:
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100 Meters by Kenji Iwaisawa (Japan, USA)
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Captain Sabertooth and the Countess of Grel by Yaprak Morali, Are Austnes, Rasmus A. Sivertsen (Norway)
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Chickenhare and the Secret of the Groundhog by Benjamin Mousquet (Belgium, France)
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Fleak by Jens Møller, Mikko Pitkänen and Luca Bruno (Finland, France, Malaisia, Poland)
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I am Frankelda by Rodolfo Ambriz and Arturo Ambriz (Mexico)
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Little Caribou by Barry O'Donoghue (Ireland)
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Mary Anning by Marcel Barelli (Belgium, Switzerland)
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My Grandfather is a Nihonjin by Célia Catunda (Brazil)
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Spiked by Caroline Origer (Belgium, France, Luxembourg, United Kingdom)
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Stitch Head by Steve Hudson (Germany, Luxembourg)
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The Girl Who Stole Time by Ao Yu and Tienan Zhou (China)
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Thelma's Perfect Birthday by Reinis Kalnaellis (Latvia, Luxembourg)
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The Quest by Máli Csaba, Pálfi Zsolt (Hungary)
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The Artistic Director also spoke about this year's Festival themes, which have already been announced:
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A Tribute to Hungarian Animation through 9 programmes from commercial films to award-winning films, shorts and feature films, from heritage films to graduation films from the prestigious MOME University, the entire history and diversity of Hungarian animation will grace the Annecy cinema screens.
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Music videos thrown into the spotlight "The Video Clip Geniuses", 5 programmes of clips interspersed with discussions with some of the creators and major studios that have contributed to the recent animation film history: Michel Gondry, Raman Djafari, Steve Cutts, Victor Haegelin, Jérôme Combe and Fortiche, plus a programme of Hungarian music videos.
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This year's official trailer – check out the teaser here – was produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe and directed by Grant Orchard (Hey Duggee) with Executive Producer Ben Bocquelet (creator of The Amazing World of Gumball) and features the most famous animated rabbit, in a nod to the Festival's very own mascot.
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“Annecy is the highlight of our year and it's an honor for Warner Bros. Animation to participate in such a meaningful way. I want to thank Marcel and the Festival leadership for entrusting us with this year's trailer and to Ben Bocquelet for his creative vision. We look forward to our time at this year's Festival and celebrating this artform that we love so much”, explained Sam Register, President of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.
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On a special note, in this year's Festival selection there is a strong emphasis on television series, as a tribute to the Mifa, which was originally created for television and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
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Véronique Encrenaz, Director of Mifa, also spoke about the highlights of the Film Market and new features for 2025, especially the Mifa Exhibition Area, which has expanded to host new territories (Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Scotland, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Kosovo, Hungary...) and new companies (Mattel, Creative Scotland, Ausfilm, New Zealand Film Commission, Procomer, Surfing Giant Studios...), not forgetting the ever-growing number of stands set up by schools and new technologies.
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About Annecy International Animated Film Festival
 Specialised in animated films, shorts, medium and feature length. Annecy is the place for discovering, sharing, organizing meetings, finding partners, the place where animation is made, develops, innovates and holds people`s attention.
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