Annecy Film Festival Artistic Director Says Animation Is Thriving as Pandemic Creates Major Challenges for Global Entertainment Business

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival based in the town of Annecy, France recently presented a selection of 13 original short films in the YouTube We Are One: A Global Film Festival. The Festival’s originally scheduled live event would have celebrated its 60th Anniversary with prestigious guests, parties, premieres and a spectacular program that paid tribute to African Animation. All was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Festival Artistic Director Marcel Jean says he was especially proud of the Festival’s focus on Africa, because it was “the most complete view on this continent’s animation that was ever screened.” Putting the disappointment behind them, Jean says Annecy is ready take on its new challenge on behalf of artists and the film industry with the launch of its ambitious and unprecedented online edition that runs through June 30.

The Global Search for Education welcomed Marcel Jean.

Marcel, film studios and film production companies have laid off staff – film production is at a standstill in many places. What’s happening in the world of Animation?

Unlike live action, animation production was slowed down but never stopped during confinement, except for stop motion productions. It is an opportunity because studios and production companies should be able to supply the needs of broadcasters and platforms for which the place of animation is a strategic programming issue. Technical innovation is part of the DNA of the animation industry. This is the essence of this art. Historically, successive technological developments pushed the boundaries to better serve creators’ visions. They also enabled the studios to set up complex production pipelines to make international co-productions possible.

“Festivals will have to develop activities outside their usual time frame to confirm their relevance to professionals and the general public.” – Marcel Jean

I know you were disappointed when you had to postpone the Festival this year, but what kinds of changes are you working on for festival goers in June 14 – 19, 2021?

It is still too early to think about the possible changes that we will have to implement. We will be attentive to the evolution of the situation and we will do everything to make festival goers feel safe in Annecy.

“Festivals will have to invest in the fields of publishing, podcasting, exhibiting, etc. in order to be at the heart of a dialogue with creators and with the audience.” – Marcel Jean

What about the future? What are your predictions for animation filmmakers and film festivals in the next 5 years?

I think animation filmmakers will increasingly explore social issues. African, South American and Asian animation (outside Japan, China and South Korea) will have a spectacular development. Television and platforms will greenlight more and more edgy and innovative projects. Festivals will have to develop activities outside their usual time frame to confirm their relevance to professionals and the general public. Festivals will have to invest in the fields of publishing, podcasting, exhibiting, etc. in order to be at the heart of a dialogue with creators and with the audience. Festivals will have to be specialized resource centers.

Thank you Marcel.

For More Information on Annecy Online.

All photos are courtesy of Annecy International Animation Film Festival

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C. M. Rubin (Cathy) is the Founder of CMRubinWorld, an online publishing company focused on the future of global learning, and the co-founder of Planet Classroom. She is the author of three best-selling books and two widely read online series. Rubin received 3 Upton Sinclair Awards for “The Global Search for Education.” The series, which advocates for Youth, was launched in 2010 and brings together distinguished thought leaders from around the world to explore the key education issues faced by nations.

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