37th Annecy International Animated Film Festival

The extreme youth and variety of the public (and guests) attending the International Animation Film Festival of Annecy (10–15 June 2013) is striking. This is because each edition, just as the 37th edition this year, enables a wide audience to discover the latest animated and mixed new techniques of the world’s masterpieces, feature and short films, within and outside the competition; to get a taste of tomorrow’s tendencies; to encounter their favorite authors, creators, animators, masters; and to discover future collaborators and partners. This year, a special focus pointed at Polish animation, with more than 50 films screened ‘as a homage to the history and the vitality of Polish Cinema’.

Among the 500 plus films, there were some diploma films on show, as well as homages and retrospectives, special programs and previews, and Work in Progress.

Famous animators and newcomers, directors and producers, teachers and students, graphics designers and artists, aficionados, neophytes and the wide audience are mixed up in this very convivial festival. A huge plus, compared to other festivals across the world, is that the town hall of Annecy fully supports the event; hence the most picturesque venues are at the festival’s disposal.

Alongside the festival, there is also an exciting gathering called MIFA, the most comprehensive event of the animation industry. Co-productions, buying and selling, financing and distributing animated films of all genres and horizons — all this happens on a 4,000 square meter space with almost 500 international stands. (Giulia Dobre)

Annecy International Animated Film Festival: www.annecy.org