The 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival opened its doors today, marking the beginning of seven vibrant days dedicated to the art of animation! Held from 9 to 15 June in the picturesque town of Annecy, France, this renowned festival is a celebration of talent and creativity in animation.
The festival features an array of previews, new releases, exclusives, evening open-air screenings, and sessions by esteemed international talents. Additionally, the MIFA market offers a bustling hub for industry professionals.
Under a sunny, beautiful sky, the festival kicked off with registrations, drawing a diverse crowd of artists, filmmakers, students, studios, and media from around the world, all eager to partake in this animated extravaganza.
The day commenced with Tribute to Portuguese Animation, where Alvaro Feijó and Regina Pessoa spoke about how they began their journey in animation, leading to a new cycle in Portuguese animation as well as their artistic relationship. Short films by both the artists were screened in a hall packed with attendees. Films by Pessoa revolved around the theme of childhood and showcased the utmost desires in children. While Feijó’s films – The Lull, The Outlaws, Fado Iusitano – were marked by political and social themes, Pessoa’s films – The Night, Tragic Story with Happy Ending, Kali the Little Vampire, Uncle Thomas: Accounting for the Days – were based on her emotional and visual childhood memories, paying homage to human desires, fears and expectations.
From the 36 short films screened in the Commissioned Films in Competition segment, one was 15 Years of Studio Eeksaurus “The Seed” from the Indian animation company Studio Eeksaurus. Directed by Suresh Eriyat, the film’s synopsis reads: A seed, cradled in the embrace of potential, whispers tales of a destiny unknown. With tender care, we cultivate its essence, birthing not just a tree, but a legacy of dreams.
While films in this segment revolved around social issues and environmental neglect, they also touched upon themes of humanity and love.
The Short Films in Competition – Young Audiences segment saw the screening of the Indian film Basha by Anirban Paul. The film by the young filmmaker tells the story of two brothers who are on a fun adventure in the outdoors, when a twist after a haunting dream exposes the consequences. Their quest navigates environmental consciousness and the pursuit of redemption.
Another interesting film Beurk ! (translates to “Yuck” in English), directed by Loic Espuche tells the story of a group of kids who despise kissing. However, Leo, one of the kids in the group, secretly wants to try it. Other films in this segment included Baking with Boris, Wing It!, Hello Summer, and more.
The Annecy Presents segment saw the screening of feature films Panda Bear in Africa, Fox and Hare Save the Forest, and the Japanese film Sand Land.
The festival’s opening ceremony, held in the evening, unveiled The Most Precious of Cargoes!, a France-Belgium feature film directed by Michel Hazanavicius and produced by Ex Nihilo and Les Compagnons du Cinéma. The film synopsis reads: Once upon a time, in a vast wood, lived a poor woodcutter and a poor woodcutter’s wife. The cold, hunger, misery and war all around them make their life very harsh. One day, the poor woodcutter’s wife finds a baby thrown from one of the many trains that constantly pass through their wood. This baby, protected at all costs, this precious little cargo will disrupt the life of this woman, her husband’s, and all those who will cross its path, right up to the man who threw it off the train. Their story will bring out the worst and best in people’s hearts.
Despite the rain, the animated spirit of Annecy’s attendees remained undampened. The first day concluded with anticipation for the second day, promising more insightful sessions, screenings, previews, and Annecy’s Midnight Specials.
Also read: Indian animation set to shine at Annecy 2024