Every June, for one week, Annecy becomes the world capital of Animation film. It is an opportunity for the public to discover the latest animated films in preview, but also to meet great directors and new technologies in the field.
The International Animation Film Festival (FIFA)
Created in 1960, the International Animation Film Festival of Annecy (or FIFA) was born thanks to the dynamism of a local film club. Today, it is a major event for professionals from around the world, who gather each year to award the best animated film. The winning film receives the prestigious Crystal, among other awards such as the Audience Award.
What distinguishes this festival is that it is also open to the general public. Free screenings are offered every day on the large lawn of the Pâquier, allowing everyone to discover exceptional works. In addition to these screenings, previews are organized at the Pathé-Gaumont cinema in Annecy, located at Courier.
The unique atmosphere of the festival can be felt throughout the city. Animation professionals, recognizable by their badges, cross paths with visitors in cafes, and a multitude of languages can be heard in the streets. This event attracts a wide range of participants: teachers, students, directors, producers, as well as emerging artists, who have the opportunity to present their creations to a varied audience. Registrations to attend the screenings are available on the official website of the event.
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The Festival Posters
At each edition, a magnificent poster is created by a world-renowned artist, perfectly illustrating the spirit of the festival.
Animation films for all audiences
Animation cinema goes far beyond simple cartoons. It also includes various techniques such as cut paper, claymation, and stop motion.
The Festival presents an official selection, divided into different categories:
- Feature films
- Short films
- Television and commissioned films
- Graduation films
Each selection results in an award, a particularly valuable honor for the studio that receives it.
Becoming a volunteer at the International Animation Film Festival
Every year, the festival seeks volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the event. It is a golden opportunity for animation, cinema, creative industries, and event enthusiasts. The proposed missions vary: managing flows, welcoming the public and festival-goers, selling in the shop, animating stands, or conducting workshops and demonstrations. A great experience to add to your CV! If you are interested, feel free to download the registration form.
The International Animation Film Market (MIFA)
The FIFA also includes the MIFA, the International Animation Film Market, which takes place at the Imperial Palace over more than 7,000 m². This market is an essential meeting point for co-production, buying, selling, financing, and distributing content intended for all distribution platforms.
Every year, more than 800 international companies participate, making this event a crucial crossroads for the animation industry.
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The Hivernal Festival
The Hivernal Festival, the winter sibling of the famous International Animation Film Festival in June, takes place every year in December. For four days, it invites you to discover the best of animation cinema, with screenings suitable for all audiences.
Organized by CITIA, the event offers previews, meetings with film teams, workshops on animation techniques, as well as immersive experiences in virtual reality. Don’t miss this unique event and head to the various screening rooms in Annecy to fully enjoy it.
The City of Moving Image (CITIA)
Founded in 2006 in Annecy, CITIA (City of Moving Image) aims to promote animation through three main axes: training, economy, and culture. It highlights the heritage of animation cinema through permanent exhibitions at the Animation Film Museum in Annecy.
CITIA also supports high-level training in the field of moving image, notably through the Gobelins School. Furthermore, the site of the Papeteries in Cran-Gevrier hosts many innovative companies specializing in the animation industry, a rapidly growing sector.
Video recap of the FIFA and MIFA of Annecy 2024
The 2026 edition of the FIFA
Due to the G7 being held in Haute-Savoie in June 2026, the Festival and Mifa are exceptionally shifting their dates. The International Animation Film Festival of Annecy 2026 will therefore take place from June 21 to 27.
This edition will mark a turning point with the opening of the International City of Animation Cinema. Located on the site of the Haras, this new infrastructure, unique in France and internationally, will become one of the new nerve centers of the festival and will complement the venues already used each year. After Portugal in 2024 and Hungary in 2025, no country will be honored in 2026. The festival has chosen to highlight a strong theme, driven by a clear conviction: animation is cinema, fully and without restriction.
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The past editions of the FIFA
The 2025 edition
The 2025 edition of the International Animation Film Festival of Annecy took place from June 8 to 14. After celebrating Mexico in 2023 and Portugal in 2024, Hungary was honored that year, with a selection of classics to (re)discover.
The International Animation Film Market celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. On this occasion, the market reflected on the significant moments of its history while looking to the future, discussing the developments and challenges facing the animation industry in the years to come.
The 2024 edition
The 2024 edition of the Animation Film Festival of Annecy took place from June 9 to 15, honoring Portuguese animation for its centenary. Renowned talents presented special programs, with the participation of three Portuguese professionals in the juries. The festival also explored the relationship between animation and dance through dedicated programs.
Among the new features, a non-competitive category for feature films, “Annecy presents,” was launched, along with new screening rooms and an XR&GAMES space.
The 2023 edition
The 2023 edition of the Animation Film Festival of Annecy took place from June 11 to 17. Mexican animation was highlighted.
For the first time, it lasted 7 days and began on Sunday evening with the traditional ceremony. This took place in the large hall of Bonlieu. Some screenings were also offered during the afternoon. Thanks to this decision, Monday could be considered a full day of the International Animation Film Festival. The MIFA, for its part, took place from June 13 to 16, 2023.
The 2022 edition
The International Animation Film Festival 2022 took place in its classic form after two editions, in 2020 and 2021, disrupted by the health crisis. The Festival was held from June 13 to 18, 2022, and the International Animation Film Market, the FIFA, from June 14 to 18, 2022. The guest of honor country was Switzerland for this edition.
For this 2022 edition, the festival decided to honor two great figures of animation cinema: the French Michel Ocelot, as well as the American director and screenwriter Jennifer Lee.
The 2021 edition
The 2021 edition of the International Animation Film Festival of Annecy took place from June 14 to 19, 2021. The International Animation Film Market was held from June 15 to 18, 2021.
This edition focused on African animation cinema, particularly on artists from Nigeria. Tributes to animation from the African continent were also screened. Additionally, this edition celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Festival.
Book a hotel for the Animation Festival
