The Cannes Annecy Animation Showcase has once again returned to the Marché du Film in Cannes, showcasing five animated feature films currently in post-production from Japan, France, and Mexico. This event, a collaboration between the Annecy Festival and Cannes’ Marché du Film that began in 2019, continues to support animation projects at critical stages of development within a global film market platform.
According to Mickaël Marin, CEO of the Annecy Festival, the showcase represents an extension of their commitment to animation beyond the annual festival. He emphasized that the partnership with Marché du Film allows them to support projects during decisive moments, reflecting a continuous effort to serve animated cinema.
Alexandra Zakharchenko, head of industry programs at Marché du Film, noted animation’s increasing prominence at Cannes, especially within the Official Selection. She referred to the recent international recognition of animated titles such as “Flow,” which premiered at Cannes in 2024 before earning widespread acclaim. The success of “Flow” and other independent animated films underscores animation’s growing role in the broader film market ecosystem.
Zakharchenko highlighted that many industry professionals attending Cannes are engaging more with animation, driven by its resilience and appeal across audiences and platforms. She added that private investors recognize animation as an intellectual property-driven business model with long-term value extending beyond theatrical release. This recognition has led to animation being integrated throughout the Marché du Film through showcases, panels, workshops, networking events, and co-production meetings rather than being confined to a single designated day.
With Japan named the 2026 Country of Honor at Marché du Film, the showcase this year places a distinct focus on Japanese animation alongside the strong global reputation of French animation, reflected in the five projects selected.
The projects featured are diverse in style and narrative:
– “Hidari,” directed by Masashi Kawamura from Japan, employs a unique wooden stop-motion technique to tell an action story set during the reconstruction of Edo Castle. The protagonist, Jingoro Hidari, crafts mechanical prosthetics to seek justice after personal losses. This project aims to blend the visual language of Japanese animation with stop-motion animation for a distinctive look, scheduled for completion in 2029.
– “Bataille,” a French-language 2D animated drama directed by Vergine Keaton, is set in the Italian Renaissance and explores themes of power, hierarchy, and survival through the lens of a battle. Its artistic style is inspired by Renaissance art, and the film is backed by multiple European production companies and France’s CNC National Film Board, expected to finish in 2028.
– “Les chiens ne font pas des chats,” directed by Alain Gagnol, a veteran French animation filmmaker and Oscar nominee, is a blend of 2D animation with 3D elements. The story follows siblings Jules and Lola embarking on a journey after their parents’ death, guided by their grandmother. The film features a notable French cast and explores the relationship between humans and animals, infusing elements of fantasy and humor. Completion is slated for 2027, with support from Eurimages.
– “Wasted Chef,” led by Japanese director Takayuki Hirao, combines 2D and 3D animation in a drama with sci-fi and culinary themes. The narrative centers on a young chef seeking a lost flavor in a taste-deprived world, whose culinary talents awaken forgotten memories. This original work reunites the “Pompo” creative team and is anticipated to be completed by 2027.
– “Insectario,” a Mexican-Spanish production directed by Sofía Carrillo, marks her feature debut and presents a story blending drama and comedy. Set in a world where insects have vanished, Lexi discovers a moth that mysteriously comes back to life. Praised for its visually striking style, the film is supported by Mexican and Spanish film funds and is expected to finish in 2028.
These projects underscore the growing international collaboration in animated features and the increasing recognition of animation as a vital part of the global film industry. The Annecy Animation Showcase at Cannes continues to be a key venue for presenting innovative animation works and fostering industry engagement across different cultures and artistic approaches.
