Annecy International Animation Film Festival

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, founded in 1960, is an annual celebration of animation held in the picturesque town of Annecy, France. It takes place at the beginning of June each year. Originally, the festival was a biennial event, but in 1998 it switched to an annual schedule. It is one of the four major international animation film festivals endorsed by the International Animated Film Association.

The festival is a vibrant showcase of animated films created using various techniques, such as hand-drawn animation, cut-out paper, claymation, and CGI. These films are divided into several categories: feature films, short films, television and advertising productions, student films, and, since 2002, internet productions.

One of the festival's highlights is the open-air night projection on Le Pâquier, a beautiful central location with stunning views of the lake and mountains. Here, audiences can enjoy classic or contemporary films on a giant screen, perfectly complementing the festival’s theme. The excitement culminates on Saturday evening when the award winners are announced.

The Annecy festival honors excellence in various categories, including feature films, short films (previously known as the Grand Prix, then the Grand Prix du court métrage, and currently The Annecy Cristal), and television productions. Over the years, it has built a reputation for celebrating outstanding animated works and has become a crucial platform for showcasing talent and innovation in the animation industry.