The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is expanding its global influence with the introduction of its new International Animation Institute, featuring an exciting array of inaugural events. Among the highlights are a special program dedicated to Laika, the renowned studio responsible for stop-motion masterpieces like "Coraline" and "The Boxtrolls," and an in-depth exhibition chronicling a quarter-century of creativity from Ankama, known for its "Krosmoz" universe.

This innovative hub, officially named Cité Internationale du Cinema d'Animation, aims to transcend the annual festival's scope, solidifying Annecy's status as a year-round epicenter for animation worldwide. Kicking off on June 19, the institute will host "Ankama: From Sketch to Epic — 25 Years of Creation," an immersive exhibition running until January 2027. This showcase will delve into Ankama's extensive portfolio, exploring its ventures in animation, video games, and publishing, and tracing the evolution of its creative process from initial concepts to final productions. Additionally, Travis Knight, CEO and filmmaker at Laika, will be present in Annecy to offer an exclusive preview of "Wildwood," one of the most anticipated animated features currently in development.

Housed within the historic Haras, a 19th-century landmark sprawling over 2.6 acres of gardens and listed as a French historic monument, the Cité Internationale du Cinema d'Animation is designed as a dynamic cultural and educational center. It features a state-of-the-art screening room, an artist residency, dedicated spaces for training programs, and various cultural activities, alongside exhibition areas, a bookstore, and a gift shop. This initiative aligns with the vision of Mickaël Marin, director of the Annecy festival and its industry market MIFA, to establish a cultural institution akin to prominent film centers in Paris and Lyon, fostering a global community for animation enthusiasts and artists alike. Leaders from the National Film Board and CITIA emphasize that the Cité will not only build upon Annecy's reputation as the world's leading animation event but also champion animation as a vital art form, a universal language connecting diverse generations, with a strong emphasis on educational workshops for younger audiences.

The establishment of the Cité Internationale du Cinema d'Animation marks a significant step forward for the global animation community. By providing a permanent, vibrant space for creation, education, and cultural exchange, Annecy is not merely hosting an annual festival but cultivating a continuous ecosystem where the art of animation can flourish and inspire across generations and borders. This expansion fosters innovation, nurtures talent, and ensures that animation continues to be recognized as a powerful and universal artistic medium, enriching lives and promoting cross-cultural understanding.