Xavier Bettel visits the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2016

On 15 and 16 June, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, in his capacity as Minister for Communications and the Media, travelled to Annecy to visit the Marché International du Film d'Animation (MIFA), held as part of the Festival of the same name. This event is the key annual rendezvous for all professionals in the global animation sector, with 8,250 participants from 83 countries, 364 international buyers - distributors - investors and 555 exhibitors.

The Fonds national de soutien à la production audiovisuelle (Film Fund) has been present at the MIFA since 2000, with an 'umbrella' promotional stand where fourteen Luxembourg animation companies (producers, studios, service providers) have gathered this year.

During the official visit to MIFA, Minister Xavier Bettel and Guy Daleiden, director of the Film Fund, had the opportunity to meet with Michel Amoudry, Annecy town councillor, Isabelle Dorliat-Pouzet, sub-prefect of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, and Dominique Puthod, deputy mayor and chairman of Citia.

During his visit, the Minister also met with animation professionals, as well as students and teachers from the BTS Animation programme at the Lycée des Arts et Métiers (LAM) in Luxembourg City, who were present for the third consecutive time with a stand promoting the BTS in the "training institutes" area of the market.

During the traditional "speed dating" meetings, LAM students had the opportunity to present their talents to Luxembourg professionals with a view to a possible work placement or recruitment. This event particularly attracted the attention of the Minister, who happily mingled with the young presenters to appreciate the artistic value of their work. During these convivial exchanges, the Minister reiterated the importance of culture and creativity. 

Two feature film projects were presented at the MIFA in the "work in progress" section: "Croc-Blanc - White Fang"directed by Oscar winner Alexandre Espigares and "Drôles de petites bêtes - Funny little bugs" directed by Antoon Krings and Arnaud Bouron, 2 co-productions by Bidibul Productions.

As evidence of the sector's dynamism, 8 feature-length animated films co-produced by Luxembourg production companies are due to hit cinemas in 2017: "White fang (Croc Blanc)" (Bidibul Productions), "Funny litte bugs (Drôles de petites bêtes)" (Bidibul Productions, "Ethel & Ernest" (Melusine Productions), "The Breadwinner" (Melusine Productions), "Luis and his friends from outer space" (Fabrique d'Images), "Funan, the new people" (Juliette Films), "Pachamama" (Doghouse Films), "The prince of the city of sand" (Iris Productions).

Photo: Xavier Bettel with BTS Animation students and Luxembourg professionals