The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is one of the world’s most important animation film festivals and takes place annually in the French city of Annecy. Since its founding in 1960, it has developed into a key platform for both artistic and commercial developments within the animation industry. The festival presents and awards short films, feature films, television productions and, increasingly, immersive formats such as VR experiences. In March 2026, the festival was added to the list of FIAPF-accredited competitive feature film festivals by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Annecy is also renowned for its unique atmosphere, including open-air screenings by the lake, and is widely regarded as an important venue for premieres, talent discovery and the shaping of global animation trends.

From a German perspective, a total of 13 films and co-productions are represented across the festival’s various sections this year. Numerous German short films are competing for awards in the competition programs. DAUGHTERS OF THE LATE COLONEL by Elizabeth Hobbs, about two sisters who must reorganise their lives after the death of their father, screens in the Short Films in Competition section. CORE DUMP by Alona Rodeh, presented in Short Films in Competition – Off Limits, explores the post-industrial landscapes of the present day. In the Graduation Short Films in Competition section, THE AMAZING KITSUVERSE by Leo Neumann tells the story of a virtual paradise where anything is possible with a simple clap. ON THE DOORMAT IN FRONT OF MY DOOR by Antje Heyn centres on a cheeky rat that is loud, annoying and seemingly everywhere, yet valuable in its own unique way. The film is screening in Short Films in Competition – Young Audience. Another German entry, CARLA AND HER LEGS by Christoph Büttner, has been selected for the Midnight Shorts – Competition section. Its protagonist pursues her passion for acrobatics while challenging contemporary social norms.

Further majority German productions featured in the Commissioned Films – Short Films section are ANIMA FESTIVAL TRAILER 2025 and by Raman Djafari. Christian Franz Schmidt’s SOUL SHIFT will be shown in the PAUL KALKBRENNER “CRONITIS BOY” Midnight Specials programme.

The feature film THE LAST WHALE SINGER by Reza Memari will be presented in Annecy Presents. The family film follows young humpback whale Vincent, the orphaned son of the last Whale Singer, whose magical song once protected the oceans. Burdened by the loss of his parents, Vincent struggles with self-doubt and questions his own abilities.

A total of 36 prizes will be awarded this year, including 23 awards in the official competition categories and 13 special prizes presented by partner organisations and institutions.

Running parallel to the festival, MIFA (Marché International du Film d’Animation) serves as a major meeting point for producers, studios, distributors and investors, where projects are financed and international collaborations are initiated. At a joint stand, German Films and AG Kurzfilm will provide information on current developments in the German animation sector. The stand also offers opportunities for international networking. In addition, visitors can explore the online catalogue, which presents a comprehensive overview of Animation Germany and its key industry players.

All German productions and co-productions in Annecy at a glance:

Official Selection
Short Films in Competition
DAUGHTERS OF THE LATE COLONEL by Elizabeth Hobbs (UK/DE, Fabian&Fred)

Short Films in Competition - Off Limits
CORE DUMP by Alona Rodeh (DE)

Graduation Short Films in Competition
THE AMAZING KITSUVERSE by Leo Neumann (DE, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg)

Short Films in Competition – Young Audience
ON THE DOORMAT IN FRONT OF MY DOOR by Antje Heyn (DE, Protoplanet Studio)

Commissioned Films – Short Films
ANIMA FESTIVAL TRAILER 2025 by Raman Djafari (DE)
ECO BEAT by Eva Bienert, Max Mörtl (AT/DE, Colorful Collective)
HERE'S TO 100 YEARS OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS by Alan Smith, Adam Foulkes (F/ DE/IT/ESP/UK, RiffRaffFilms)
PAUL KALKBRENNER "CRONITIS BOY" by Raman Djafari (DE)

Midnight Shorts – Competition
CARLA AND HER LEGS (CARLA UND IHRE BEINE) by Christoph Büttner (DE)

Midnight Specials
SOUL SHIFT by Christian Franz Schmidt (DE, PlayList4You, Hessischer Rundfunk)

FURTHER GERMAN FILMS AND CO-PRODUCTIONS

Feature Films – out of competition
Annecy Presents
MONSTER MIA by Verena Fels (AT/ES/DE, Arx Anima, PENG! BOOM! TSCHAK! Films)
THE LAST WHALE SINGER by Reza Memari (DE/CZ/CAN, Telescope Animation)

Works In Progress
ASTRO BOY REBOOT by Nicolas Hess (FR/DE/JP)

MIFA Cross IP
Video Game Cinematics & Game Trailers
UBISOFT "ANNO 117: PAX ROMANA | SINGING STATUES" – Official Cinematic Release Date Trailer by Todd Mueller, Kylie Matulick (DE/USA)