Annecy Announces Lineups for Feature, Contrechamp, and Annecy Presents Categories

Annecy has officially announced its lineups for the 2026 feature film categories, including Official Competition, Contrechamp, and Annecy Presents. The festival showcases a diverse mix of global titles, highlighting numerous international co-productions that reflect the evolving animation landscape.

Official Feature Competition

This year’s Official Competition leans towards auteur-driven works. It features a strong representation of European productions, notably from France, while also including significant contributions from Asia and North America. Festival artistic director Marcel Jean emphasized that many filmmakers are transitioning from short films to feature projects, marking a notable shift in the industry.

• Viva Carmen! – Sébastien Laudenbach (France): A compelling animated adaptation showcasing the intricacies of love and identity.
• Iron Boy – Louis Clichy (France, Belgium): A nuanced tale set in the French countryside, reflecting on themes of fame.
• Decorado – Alberto Vázquez (Spain): A rebellious story about an unemployed mouse that has garnered acclaim.
• The Sunrise File – Rupert Wyatt, Émilie Phuong (France, Luxembourg): A historical recounting of justice pursued by Serge and Beate Klarsfeld.
• In Waves – Phuong Mai Nguyen (France, Belgium): An adaptation of A.J. Dungo’s graphic novel, exploring love and loss.
• Lucy Lost – Olivier Clert (France): Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, it is a touching story set in early 20th-century England.
• Nobody – Shui Yu (China): A tale featuring comical adventures with animal-demons, celebrating Chinese mythology.
• Tana – Ji Zhao, Ke Er Zhu (China): A contemporary narrative focused on familial bonds in modern China.
• Tangles – Leah Nelson (Canada, USA): A modern story addressing family dynamics amid Alzheimer’s disease.
• The Violonist – Ervin Han, Raúl García (Singapore, Spain, Italy): A war epic characterized by an emotional narrative.
• We Are Aliens – Kohei Kadowaki (Japan, France): A moving narrative about childhood friendship and reunion.

Contrechamp Section

The Contrechamp section has evolved into a platform for experimental and independent films with refined storytelling. This year, it highlights a collection of poignant narratives from Japan, Latin America, and Europe.

• 58th – Carl Joseph Papa (Philippines): A documentary reflecting on the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.
• A New Dawn – Yoshitoshi Shinomiya (Japan, France): Celebrated for its artistic merit, first shown in Berlin.
• Blaise – Dimitri Planchon, Jean-Paul Guigue (France): A continuation of a beloved series exploring youthful introspection.
• O filho da puta – Érica Maradona, Otto Guerra, Tania Anaya, Sávio Leite (Brazil): A character-driven narrative about personal identity.
• Muyi – Julien Chheng (France): A whimsical adventure set in rural China, featuring a traveling theatre.
• Pelelui: Guernica of Paradise – Goro Kuji (Japan): A visually stunning portrayal of wartime responsibility.
• The Orbit of Minor Satellites – Christopher Sullivan (Japan): A unique blend of live-action and animation exploring mental health.
• Spacetime Chronicles – Stefano Bertelli (Italy): Known for its surrealist style and innovative techniques.
• The Obsessed – Wataru Takahashi (Japan): A colorful romantic tale blending musical elements.
• Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope – Beñat Beitia, Elio Quiroga (Spain, Chile, Argentina): A historical fiction set during the Spanish Civil War.
• Welcome to Dolly’s House – Seven YCH, Rady Fu, Tree Muta (Taiwan): A fantasy narrative entwined with digital culture.

Annecy Presents

In its third year, the Annecy Presents section offers a platform for family-friendly films along with titles appealing to anime fans. It bridges independent artistry and mainstream storytelling through its diverse program.

• Yugly – Yanis Belaid, Jérémie Degruson (Belgium)
• Paris ni Saku Étoile (Samurai Ballerina) – Gorō Taniguchi (Japan)
• Chimney Town: Frozen in Time – Japan
• The Ribbon Hero – Yuki Igarashi (Japan)
• The Keeper of the Camphor Tree – Tomohiko Ito (Japan)
• Julián – Louise Bagnall (Ireland)
• Brave Cat – Gabriel Osorio (Chile)
• Dante – Linda Hambäck (Sweden, Denmark, Norway)
• Born in the Jungle – Edmunds Jansons (Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic)
• The Last Whale Singer – Reza Memari (Germany, Czech Republic, Canada)
• Dudley and the Invasion of the Space Slugs – Cherifa Bakhti (Luxembourg, Belgium, France, India)
• Girl in the Clouds – Philippe Riche (France, Belgium)
• Monster Mia – Verena Fels (Austria, Spain, Germany)
• The Legend of the Golden Buffalo – Tranh Lam Tung (Vietnam)

The diverse lineups signal a rich future for animation, combining new talents with established creators. The festival continues to be a vital gathering for animation lovers globally.