The Annecy Festival 2026 is set to feature a rich variety of themes, techniques and cultures. The return of established artists and the discovery of emerging talent are sure to delight future festivalgoers.
Today the programme reveals the Annecy 2026 official poster, a part of the selected films and the two brand-new competition categories.
“While searching for an image that captures the spirit of the Annecy Festival, I combined my love of eccentric animals engaging in human-like behaviour with a gathering of native birds from the Haute-Savoie region – a spiral pilgrimage that reflects the diversity of people bound by a common love for cinema and animation film.”
Randall Finnerty
Randall Finnerty is a visual artist originally from Northern Ontario, Canada. He has lived in Montreal since 1992, where he worked for 24 years at the National Film Board of Canada as Technical Advisor on numerous award-winning animated short films. During that time, he maintained an active practice as an exhibiting artist.
Since his retirement from the NFB, he has concentrated solely on his own practice and is thrilled to be able to combine the two worlds that he loves – drawing and animation. He has exhibited his work in group and solo exhibitions across Canada and was included in a travelling group exhibition that toured various cities in Europe.
His work has appeared in a variety of art publications and is held in public and private collections including the Canada Council Art Bank
The 2026 Official Selection
Short Films selection – Official
There are as many techniques as there are themes: puppets in mourning, drawings seeking emancipation, childhoods marked by war or loss… Yet hope reigns supreme, manifesting through characters who yearn for love and a more just world. The Official selection places its spotlight on the latest gems from established filmmakers but also from emerging talents, providing an exclusive glimpse into the realm of animation, its techniques and its messages.
Short Films selection – Young Audiences
In a selection of predominantly animal-themed storylines, between microcosm and macrocosm, endearing characters embark on extraordinary journeys from the sea to outer space. The viewer follows the explorations and wanderings of these tiny beings with big ambitions, as they search for their place in this vast world.
Short Films selection – Off-Limits
The Off-Limits programme pushes the boundaries of visual and technical experimentation. Using movement, texture and rhythm, the works take the audience on a multi-sensory journey to the outer limits of the medium.
Short Films selection – Perspectives
Through its multiple points of view and diverse techniques, the Perspectives section invites us to question our own worldview. The films encapsulate the inherent contradictions of contemporary societies and the constant interplay between intimate and universal themes.
Annecy’s unmissable gems are now in competition!
The short films in these following two categories are now in the running for an official award!
Midnight Shorts – A selection of thrillers and horror films designed to shock and draw you into a dark deranged world.
> Take a look at the selection
WTF – A must-see selection of elusive films where comedy delightfully interweaves with other genres and effectively blurs their lines.
> Take a look at the selection
Graduation Films selection
Each year, our selection of graduation films puts a spotlight on exploration through the eyes of young people seeking multiple selves. We are witnessing the dawn of these filmmakers‘ cinematic journeys, whose inner realms reveal a remarkable sensitivity to global diversity.
TV Films selection
From Japan to the USA, via Italy and France, this programme of TV series epitomises the full potential of animation when it comes to captivating audiences, regardless of their age. Whether it’s well-known franchises, independent productions or emerging artists, the small screen appeals to everyone.
Commissioned Films selection
From music videos and commercials to TV series opening sequences and promotional films, the Commissioned Films section demonstrates once again that animation is an integral part of our daily lives. This programme transcends all boundaries, jumping from Snoop Dogg to Thom Yorke, via a hungry wolf… hungry for friendship.
Be sure to reserve your accommodation as early as possible!
New: discover the shuttle buses reserved for Annecy Festival badgeholders, which will take you to accommodation by the lake.
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