The Minister for Culture takes part in the Annecy International Animation Film Festival

The Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, travelled to Annecy on 12 June to meet some 40 Luxembourg professionals attending the International Animation Film Market (MIFA). This event, which brought together nearly 17,000 professionals from 96 countries, is a key event for the global animation sector.

For the 24th time, the Film Fund Luxembourg is taking part with a promotional stand, welcoming 16 Luxembourg animation companies, including producers, animation and post-production studios.
During his visit to the animation film market, the Minister was able to discover the trends, innovations and challenges facing the international animation industry. Discussions with the people in charge of the various stands enabled him to gather ideas on new technologies, creative approaches and opportunities for international collaboration.

During his trip, the Minister had a lengthy meeting with representatives of ALPA/XR (Association luxembourgeoise des producteurs d'animation et d'expériences immersives). These discussions enabled the Minister to familiarise himself with the specific issues currently facing animation producers and creators of immersive experiences.

The interactive developers emphasised the scale of the global video games industry and the importance of supporting local talent in this field.
The Minister was receptive to these comments and said he was prepared to carry out a more in-depth analysis of needs.

Eric Thill was also able to explore the XR & Games area, where he tried out the 2 Luxembourg virtual reality projects in competition at Annecy.
He took part in the "speed dating" meetings during which Luxembourg BTS and Bachelor students in animation have the opportunity to present their talents and skills to professionals in the sector, with a view to obtaining an internship or a job. The Minister particularly appreciated this exchange, taking the time to discover the work of the young animators.

The Minister warmly congratulated all animation professionals on their six selections for the festival. "These selections bear witness to your talent and also to the collaborative dynamic that characterises our industry. They illustrate Luxembourg's ability to rank among the best, thanks to close-knit teams and studios that are constantly pushing back the boundaries of art and visual storytelling".

P.m. 6 co-productions are on the bill at this year's Annecy International Animation Film Festival:

1. Feature films in Official Competition

SLOCUM AND ME directed by Jean-François Laguionie
Producers: Stéphan Roelants of Melusine Productions (LU) and JPL Films (France)
ANGELO DANS LA FORET MYSTERIEUSE directed by Vincent Paronnaud & Alexis Ducord.
Producers: Laurent Witz de Zeilt Productions (LU), Jesuisbiencontent (France); Gaoshan Pictures (France)

2. Television film in official competition

LA VIE DE CHATEAU, directed by Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat & Nathaniel H'limi
Mini-series of 6 episodes
Producers: Stéphan Roelants of Melusine Productions (LU), Films Grand Huit (FR)

3. Virtual reality works in official competition

OTO'S PLANET, directed by Gwenael François (LU)
VR animation
Producers: Julien Becker from Skill Lab (LU), Zeilt studio (LU) for animation and motion capture, Mad Trix (LU) for sound design, DPT. (CA), Small Creative (FR).

MAMIE LOU , directed by Isabelle Andreani
Interactive VR animation experience
Producers: Skill Lab (LU) for the animation, Zeilt studio (LU) for the motion capture and Small Creative (France).

4. New "Annecy presents" section (out of competition)

FOX AND HARE SAVE THE FOREST , directed by Mascha Halberstad
Animated feature film
Producers: DOGHOUSE FILMS (LU), Submarine (NL) and Walking the Dog (BE)

5. Alongside the official selections, two works will be presented in the "WORK IN PROGRESS" category, allowing visitors to experience the production stages of the works:

ALLAH N'EST PAS OBLIGE by Zaven Najjar
Animated feature
Producers: Paul Thiltges Distributions (LU), Special Touch Studio (FR), Lunanime (BE), Need Productions (BE), Yzanakio (CA)

ITO MEIKYU by Boris Labbé
VR/XR animation
Producers: Les Films Fauves (LU), Sacreubleu Productions (FR)