The Marché du Film’s animation program enters a new chapter with the launch of Cannes Animation — an expanded initiative, running from 15 to 17 May, designed to spotlight the creativity, innovation and global momentum of today’s animation industry.
Building on the success of Animation Day, this new format offers a broader platform for animated works and the professionals shaping them, reinforcing Cannes as a key meeting point for the international animation community.
Annecy Film Festival returns to host the much anticipated Annecy Animation Showcase. The session will feature a curated selection of five standout animated works-in-progress from around the world, presented to an audience of sales agents, distributors and festival programmers.
Cannes Animation will also introduce an expanded conference program, with panels and keynotes exploring the dynamics of Japanese animation — in resonance with Japan as the Marché du Film’s 2026 Country of Honour. These sessions will delve into the global success of anime, strategies for international distribution, and the creative vision behind leading studios such as Toei Animation. Additional Japan-focused animation events will be announced in the coming weeks.
The program will conclude with the Cannes Animation Cocktail, hosted at the Terrasse Unifrance in collaboration with the Annecy Film Festival, German Films, Animation Germany and Unifrance — offering a convivial setting to connect and celebrate the art of animation.
Further details and the full schedule will be revealed in late April.
Cannes Animation is organized by the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes and in partnership with Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Japan, Country of Honour, in collaboration with German Films, Animation Germany and Unifrance.