Each year, Annecy becomes the world center of animated cinema. For one week, the city welcomes directors, studios, students, and enthusiasts who come to discover the latest creations in the field. The 2026 edition of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival promises a particularly rich program, combining screenings, professional meetings, and events open to the general public.
The dates of the Annecy Festival 2026
The next edition will take place from June 21 to 27, 2026 in Annecy and at several venues around the lake.
Originally planned for a week earlier, the event was postponed to take into account the organization of the G7 summit in Haute-Savoie, which will mobilize numerous local infrastructures.
During these seven days, the city will vibrate to the rhythm of screenings, conferences, premieres, and meetings with creators from around the world.
A global event dedicated to animated cinema
Created in 1960, the Annecy festival is today considered one of the most prestigious events in animated cinema.
Each year, it highlights the most innovative works in several categories:
- feature films
- short films
- television films
- commissioned films
- student projects
- immersive or virtual reality works
Beyond the official competition, many special screenings are offered: premieres, retrospectives, tributes to directors or studios, professional meetings, and autograph sessions.
The Mifa: the international animation market
Alongside the festival takes place the International Animation Film Market (Mifa), one of the largest professional gatherings in the sector. This market brings together producers, distributors, studios, and platforms to present their projects and develop new collaborations.
The 2026 edition of Mifa will take place from June 23 to 26, in the heart of the festival week.
For professionals and students in animation, it is a unique opportunity to meet the major players of the industry and discover upcoming trends.
Screenings open to the general public
While the festival is a major event for the animation film industry, it also remains accessible to the public. Several sessions allow the discovery of works in competition or films presented in preview.
Among the most popular moments are the open-air screenings on the Pâquier, organized each evening facing Lake Annecy. These free sessions often gather several thousand spectators who come to enjoy an animated film under the stars.
A week of events throughout the city
During the festival, Annecy transforms into a true world capital of animation. The streets, cinemas, and cultural venues host many activities:
- conferences and masterclasses
- meetings with directors and studios
- exhibitions around animation
- events for students and young talents
- special sessions and thematic screenings
The atmosphere is unique: professionals, enthusiasts, and curious people cross paths throughout the city to share their passion for animated cinema.
Each year, the festival attracts several thousand visitors and transforms Annecy into a global showcase of animated creation.
And you, will you attend this great animated cinema celebration in 2026 on the shores of Lake Annecy?
