Annessy Animation Showcase 2025: Celebrating the Future of Animation

The Annessy Animation Showcase, held annually in Cannes, serves as a precursor to the esteemed Annie Festival, which occurs each June. This year’s showcase, co-organized by Marcu Film and the Annesy Festival, has unveiled five notable titles for their 2025 edition, scheduled for May 18th as part of Cannes Animation Day.

Connecting Artistry with the Industry

This event transcends a mere film preview. It acts as a vital conduit linking the creative aspirations of animation to the film industry, thereby facilitating the production and distribution processes. By spotlighting works in various stages of development, the Showcase seeks to empower creators during critical junctures in their artistic journeys and enhance their visibility among sales agents and distributors.

Diverse Voices in Animation

The featured titles in this year’s showcase are a testament to the dynamic range of voices in animation, showcasing talent from nascent creators to seasoned professionals and from independent enterprises to global collaborations. Each film conveys deep personal narratives, striking visual styles, or subversive genre interpretations, underlining animation’s potential as one of cinema’s most exhilarating art forms.

2025 Title Highlights

• “Julian”

  Director: Louise Bagnoll (Ireland, UK, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg)
  Producer: Manga Saloon
  Language: English
  Genre: Comedy drama
  Status: Completed in 2026

  Loosely based on Jessica Love’s cherished picture book “Julian is a Mermaid,” this film follows a young boy as he explores themes of identity, family, and self-expression during a transformative summer.

• “Sunny”

  Director: Michael Arias (Japan, USA)
  Producer: GKIDS
  Language: Japanese
  Genre: Drama
  Status: Completed in 2029

  This poignant narrative takes place in 1970s Japan, offering an intimate look at children in a foster care sanctuary, emphasizing themes of found family and resilience.

• “Ana, en Passant”

  Director: Fernanda Alves Salgado (Brazil, Portugal)
  Producer: Apiario Creative Studio
  Language: Portuguese, French
  Genre: Drama
  Status: Completed in 2026

  This film examines grief and healing as young women confront the loss of their grandmother, presented through a visually rich and lyrical narrative.

• “Dante”

  Director: Linda Hambäck (Sweden, Denmark, Norway)
  Producer: Lee Film
  Language: Swedish
  Genre: Comedy
  Status: Completed in 2026

  This comedic caper features the misadventures of a character caught in chaotic scenarios, blending humor with social commentary.

• “Mu Yi and the Handsome General”

  Director: Julien Chen (France)
  Producer: Studio Lacachet
  Language: French
  Genre: Comedy
  Status: Completed in 2026

  The film presents a lighthearted journey of a 14-year-old boy in rural China, filled with humor, romance, and breathtaking animation.

Conclusion

The Annessy Animation Showcase stands crucial for nurturing the animation industry’s future while celebrating artistic innovation. The selected titles embody a promising diversity of narratives and styles, ensuring that animation continues to captivate and inspire international audiences.