Animation Day at Cannes: Showcasing the Future of Animated Films
On May 19, the prestigious Cannes Film Festival dedicates an entire day to celebrate animation with Animation Day, a full day packed with exciting programming, including an animation showcase, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Held in partnership with the Marché du Film, this special day highlights the vibrant and diverse world of animation.
The centerpiece of Animation Day is the Annecy Animation Showcase, which features five exceptional works-in-progress handpicked from numerous international submissions. This showcase, which began in 2016 as a small selection of films, has now become a central part of Animation Day, previously known as Annecy Goes to Cannes.
This year's showcase includes:
"A New Dawn" by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya: Inspired by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, this film follows three young people navigating natural disasters and self-discovery. Shinomiya, a seasoned animator, has worked on notable films like "Your Name" and "The Garden of Words."
"Mu-Ki-Ra" by Estefania Piñeres: Co-produced by Abano Producións, this film explores the duality of good and evil in Colombia, reflecting Piñeres' personal experiences growing up in a biodiverse country marked by conflict.
"Conference of the Birds" by Atiq Rahimi and Caroline Piochon: A 2D adaptation of Farid al-Din Attar’s 900-year-old Persian poem, co-written by Rahimi and Nahal Tajadod-Carrière. This film promises a visually stunning and poetic narrative.
"In Waves" by Phuong Mai Nguyen: An adaptation of A.J. Dungo’s memoir, this film combines 2D and CG animation to tell the story of two lovers facing illness. It is produced by Silex Films and co-produced by Anonymous Content and Belgium’s Panique.
"The Language of Birds" by Cynthia Fernandez Trejo: This Mexican feature delves into a horror fantasy where a girl and her mother discover a town devoid of children, exploring themes of disappearance and the invisibility of youth.
The showcase provides a vital platform for filmmakers to present trailers or excerpts of their projects, garnering interest from potential distributors, sales agents, and producers. Mickael Marin, CEO of Annecy organizer Citia, notes that around 95% of films showcased eventually reach completion, underscoring the event’s importance in the animation industry.
Filmmakers are given approximately 15 minutes to pitch their projects, with guidance on crafting impactful presentations. This support is crucial, as it helps filmmakers convey their vision and attract the necessary backing to bring their films to fruition. Creating an independent animated film is often a lengthy process, taking several years from concept to completion. However, the exposure and support provided by events like the Annecy Animation Showcase can be transformative, helping filmmakers secure the resources and partnerships needed to succeed.
Animation Day at Cannes not only celebrates the art of animation but also champions the creators behind these imaginative works, offering a glimpse into the future of animated storytelling. As these talented filmmakers continue their journeys, their stories promise to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the boundless potential of animation.
