PRESS RELEASE March 4, 2025.
Cartoon Movie brings the future of European animation back to Bordeaux on March 4-6, when 55 new projects from 16 countries will participate in the 27th edition of this co-production and pitching event for European animated feature films. With the aim of speeding up their funding and distribution, the projects will be presented in pitching sessions to potential co-producers, sales agents, distributors, streaming platforms representatives and investors, among other industry players. Organised by CARTOON, the event also features networking and training activities, as well as the presentation of the Cartoon Movie Tributes and the Eurimages Co-production Development Award.
The lineup is spearheaded by France with 19 projects, followed by Germany (6), Norway (5) and Spain (4), while Belgium, Czechia, Ireland and Latvia participate with three films each. Wrapping up the list is Finland with two projects, while Denmark, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Armenia (the latter non-EU Participating Country in the Creative Europe Programme) participate with one project each.
Led by Czechia and Latvia – country to which Cartoon Movie is dedicating its spotlight this year – with three projects each, the CEE countries account for 10 feature film projects, whereas the Nordic countries participate with 8 works. Selected from 120 submissions, Cartoon Movie’s selection includes mostly in-development projects (32), followed at a distance by in-concept (17) and in-production projects (3). Three sneak previews will also be presented: “Fleak” by Jens Møller (Finland), “Tales from the Magic Garden” by Jean-Claude Rozec, Patrik Pass, Leon Vidmar & David Sukup (Czechia), and “The Songbirds’ Secret” by Antoine Lanciaux (France).
Led by Czechia and Latvia – country to which Cartoon Movie is dedicating its spotlight this year – with three projects each, the CEE countries account for 10 feature film projects, whereas the Nordic countries participate with 8 works. Selected from 120 submissions, Cartoon Movie’s selection includes mostly in-development projects (32), followed at a distance by in-concept (17) and in-production projects (3). Three sneak previews will also be presented: “Fleak” by Jens Møller (Finland), “Tales from the Magic Garden” by Jean-Claude Rozec, Patrik Pass, Leon Vidmar & David Sukup (Czechia), and “The Songbirds’ Secret” by Antoine Lanciaux (France).
Seasoned directors such as Alain Ughetto (“Rose and the Marmots”), Anca Damian (“Short Stories about Love and Space”), Vincent Paronnaud & Alexis Ducord (“Treasure Island”), Toby Genkel (“Skip”), Kajsa Næss (“How to deal with Shattering Geists”) and Werner Herzog – who is presenting his first animated film, based on his book “The Twilight World” – will be pitching their new projects at the event.
Alongside them, several emerging talents will be presenting their first works at Cartoon Movie, one of the main showcases for the promotion of European animation, as attested by the 487 films – for a total budget of 3.2 billion EUR – it has helped since its creation. In addition to promoting a new generation of films in development, Cartoon Movie will be an opportunity to feel the pulse of European animation, an industry known for its high creativity, its graphic styles and narrative diversity, and the wide range of audiences it addresses. These characteristics are reflected in the broad array of genres featured in the selection, including adventure, comedy, drama, documentaries, fantasy, and sci-fi, while inclusion, gender equity and sustainability concerns are among the topics addressed by the projects. Literary and comic-book adaptations, as well as films based on mythological and folklore tales, are also present in this year’s selection.
Alongside them, several emerging talents will be presenting their first works at Cartoon Movie, one of the main showcases for the promotion of European animation, as attested by the 487 films – for a total budget of 3.2 billion EUR – it has helped since its creation. In addition to promoting a new generation of films in development, Cartoon Movie will be an opportunity to feel the pulse of European animation, an industry known for its high creativity, its graphic styles and narrative diversity, and the wide range of audiences it addresses. These characteristics are reflected in the broad array of genres featured in the selection, including adventure, comedy, drama, documentaries, fantasy, and sci-fi, while inclusion, gender equity and sustainability concerns are among the topics addressed by the projects. Literary and comic-book adaptations, as well as films based on mythological and folklore tales, are also present in this year’s selection.
Figures & trends
With an overall budget of 316.9 MIO EUR, this year films have an average cost of 5.7 MIO EUR, a 20% drop year-on-year. With more than half of the projects (30) produced among two or more Creative MEDIA countries, co-production emerges as the main financing model for animated feature films in Europe. France, Czechia, Belgium and Germany are the most active co-producers this year, while non-Creative MEDIA countries – including Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States – are engaged in 7 co-productions. The projects total duration represents 75 hours, with an average length per film of 82’. Regarding target groups, films aimed at Family audiences are nearly half of the total (27 projects – 49%), while those targeted at Young Adults/Adults have risen from 18% to 29% year-on-year (16 projects). Projects aimed at Children stand at 20% (11 projects), whereas only one project is aimed at teen audiences. This edition welcomes back 15 projects which have already been pitched at Cartoon Movie in previous stages of development, including “Condenaditos” by Matisse Gonzalez (Germany), “Lou and the Glacier’s Secret” by Frédéric & Samuel Guillaume (France), and “Mikisoq” by Mette Rank Tange (Denmark), among others.
With an overall budget of 316.9 MIO EUR, this year films have an average cost of 5.7 MIO EUR, a 20% drop year-on-year. With more than half of the projects (30) produced among two or more Creative MEDIA countries, co-production emerges as the main financing model for animated feature films in Europe. France, Czechia, Belgium and Germany are the most active co-producers this year, while non-Creative MEDIA countries – including Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States – are engaged in 7 co-productions. The projects total duration represents 75 hours, with an average length per film of 82’. Regarding target groups, films aimed at Family audiences are nearly half of the total (27 projects – 49%), while those targeted at Young Adults/Adults have risen from 18% to 29% year-on-year (16 projects). Projects aimed at Children stand at 20% (11 projects), whereas only one project is aimed at teen audiences. This edition welcomes back 15 projects which have already been pitched at Cartoon Movie in previous stages of development, including “Condenaditos” by Matisse Gonzalez (Germany), “Lou and the Glacier’s Secret” by Frédéric & Samuel Guillaume (France), and “Mikisoq” by Mette Rank Tange (Denmark), among others.
Concerning animation techniques, 2D is on top with 22 projects, while 3D projects stand at 20. Ten projects combine 2D/3D, and 8 use other techniques such as stop-motion, cut out paper, and VR technology, among others. Gender equity-wise, the number of films directed and produced by
women are in line with last year’s (22% and 35%, respectively). Barely half of the selected projects (45%) have implemented some elements/procedures towards sustainability, in line with CARTOON sustainable commitment. After obtaining the ISO 20121 certification, CARTOON remains committed to strengthening sustainable economic growth, minimising its environmental impact, promoting inclusivity, and setting an example for the industry.
women are in line with last year’s (22% and 35%, respectively). Barely half of the selected projects (45%) have implemented some elements/procedures towards sustainability, in line with CARTOON sustainable commitment. After obtaining the ISO 20121 certification, CARTOON remains committed to strengthening sustainable economic growth, minimising its environmental impact, promoting inclusivity, and setting an example for the industry.
Looking into the future
With the aim of celebrating creativity and promoting animation policies throughout Europe, Cartoon Movie annually dedicates a spotlight to a European territory. This year, Latvian animation will be under the limelight with the following projects: “Born in the Jungle” by Edmunds Jansons (Atom Art), “Karmic Knot” by Signe Baumane (Studio Locomotive) and “The Northern Star” by Karlis Vitols (Studija Kokles). A Latvian delegation of 16 producers and players will travel to Bordeaux to participate in the activity. Latvia’s animation industry is gaining momentum after the international success of “Flow” by Gints Zilbalodis, which has just won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Presented at Cartoon Movie in 2022, the film has made history in European animation after premiering at Cannes Film Festival and winning awards at Annecy, the Golden Globes and the European Film Awards, among other festivals and events. This Spotlight is organised by Latvian Animation Association and supported by the National Film Centre of Latvia
and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia. In an effort also aimed at the future of animation, Cartoon Movie features the Coaching Programme for 82 young talents and teachers from 14 specialised schools, which will have the opportunity to learn about the animation industry and the challenges of launching a project. Besides, the talents will be invited to participate in a Job Fair where they can contact companies and professionals
attending the event. Many prizes will be awarded at the event. Eurimages Co-production Development Award is an initiative by The Council of Europe’s Eurimages Fund to encourage international co-production from the initial stages of an animation project. Twelve projects are in the running for this 20,000 EUR cash prize.
The Cartoon Movie Tributes winners – which, voted by the participants in the event, recognise the European Producer, Sales Agent, and Director of the Year – will also be announced. The list of finalists can be found here. Lastly, an activity looking to create synergies between the animation, video games & transmedia industries will take place on the opening day of the event. Animation & Transmedia as it is titled, will feature two roundtables (“Presentation of the Carbulator Tool” and “VFX & Animation: When Post becomes Present”) and one-to-one meetings for animation professionals who wish to meet with video game companies and publishers.
With the aim of celebrating creativity and promoting animation policies throughout Europe, Cartoon Movie annually dedicates a spotlight to a European territory. This year, Latvian animation will be under the limelight with the following projects: “Born in the Jungle” by Edmunds Jansons (Atom Art), “Karmic Knot” by Signe Baumane (Studio Locomotive) and “The Northern Star” by Karlis Vitols (Studija Kokles). A Latvian delegation of 16 producers and players will travel to Bordeaux to participate in the activity. Latvia’s animation industry is gaining momentum after the international success of “Flow” by Gints Zilbalodis, which has just won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Presented at Cartoon Movie in 2022, the film has made history in European animation after premiering at Cannes Film Festival and winning awards at Annecy, the Golden Globes and the European Film Awards, among other festivals and events. This Spotlight is organised by Latvian Animation Association and supported by the National Film Centre of Latvia
and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia. In an effort also aimed at the future of animation, Cartoon Movie features the Coaching Programme for 82 young talents and teachers from 14 specialised schools, which will have the opportunity to learn about the animation industry and the challenges of launching a project. Besides, the talents will be invited to participate in a Job Fair where they can contact companies and professionals
attending the event. Many prizes will be awarded at the event. Eurimages Co-production Development Award is an initiative by The Council of Europe’s Eurimages Fund to encourage international co-production from the initial stages of an animation project. Twelve projects are in the running for this 20,000 EUR cash prize.
The Cartoon Movie Tributes winners – which, voted by the participants in the event, recognise the European Producer, Sales Agent, and Director of the Year – will also be announced. The list of finalists can be found here. Lastly, an activity looking to create synergies between the animation, video games & transmedia industries will take place on the opening day of the event. Animation & Transmedia as it is titled, will feature two roundtables (“Presentation of the Carbulator Tool” and “VFX & Animation: When Post becomes Present”) and one-to-one meetings for animation professionals who wish to meet with video game companies and publishers.
Made in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine animation industry continues to gain momentum thanks to the creativity of its professionals and the region’s active policy for cinema and audiovisual. After the arrival of Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux in 2017, regional animation has reached new peaks as shown by the prominent role played by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine in the lineup, with 7 projects produced or co- produced by regional studios. Six new projects supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region will be presented in the event: “The Dreamed Journey of Alpha Two” (Les Contes Modernes), “If I Die” (MIDRALGAR in co-production with Esther Vital (ES) & O Par (BR)), “All the Softness in the World” (Les Valseurs in co-production with Les Valseurs Bordeaux), “Bergeronnette” (Miyu Productions), “Absolute Surrender” (Sun Creature in co-production with Brightstar (UK)) and “Treasure Island” (Je Suis Bien Content). Four are in production (or in co-production) with studios based in Bordeaux: “The Twilight World” (in co-production with Sun Creature), “Absolute Surrender” (Sun Creature), “If I Die” (MIDRALGAR) and “All the Softness in the World” (in co-production with Les Valseurs Bordeaux). Two involve regional authors or co-authors: “The Dreamed Journey of Alpha Two” (co- written by Alpha Kaba and Christophe Erbes) and “Treasure Island” (written by Vincent Paronnaud aka Winshluss); and one is supported by the Département Charente: “The Dreamed Journey of Alpha Two” (Les Contes Modernes).
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine animation industry continues to gain momentum thanks to the creativity of its professionals and the region’s active policy for cinema and audiovisual. After the arrival of Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux in 2017, regional animation has reached new peaks as shown by the prominent role played by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine in the lineup, with 7 projects produced or co- produced by regional studios. Six new projects supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region will be presented in the event: “The Dreamed Journey of Alpha Two” (Les Contes Modernes), “If I Die” (MIDRALGAR in co-production with Esther Vital (ES) & O Par (BR)), “All the Softness in the World” (Les Valseurs in co-production with Les Valseurs Bordeaux), “Bergeronnette” (Miyu Productions), “Absolute Surrender” (Sun Creature in co-production with Brightstar (UK)) and “Treasure Island” (Je Suis Bien Content). Four are in production (or in co-production) with studios based in Bordeaux: “The Twilight World” (in co-production with Sun Creature), “Absolute Surrender” (Sun Creature), “If I Die” (MIDRALGAR) and “All the Softness in the World” (in co-production with Les Valseurs Bordeaux). Two involve regional authors or co-authors: “The Dreamed Journey of Alpha Two” (co- written by Alpha Kaba and Christophe Erbes) and “Treasure Island” (written by Vincent Paronnaud aka Winshluss); and one is supported by the Département Charente: “The Dreamed Journey of Alpha Two” (Les Contes Modernes).
About Cartoon Movie
Since its first edition in 1999, 487 films have been financially supported by Cartoon Movie for a total budget of 3.2 billion EUR. Organised by CARTOON, Cartoon Movie is an annual forum aimed at strengthening the production and distribution of animated feature films in Europe. The event has the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA, CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée), Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux Métropole, Pôle Image Magelis and France Télévisions. CARTOON – European Association of Animation Film is an international non-profit association based in Brussels that organises Cartoon Movie, together with Cartoon Forum, a co-production forum for animated TV series, and the training seminars Cartoon Springboard, CartoonNext, and Cartoon Business.
Cartoon Director: Annick Maes
Since its first edition in 1999, 487 films have been financially supported by Cartoon Movie for a total budget of 3.2 billion EUR. Organised by CARTOON, Cartoon Movie is an annual forum aimed at strengthening the production and distribution of animated feature films in Europe. The event has the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA, CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée), Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux Métropole, Pôle Image Magelis and France Télévisions. CARTOON – European Association of Animation Film is an international non-profit association based in Brussels that organises Cartoon Movie, together with Cartoon Forum, a co-production forum for animated TV series, and the training seminars Cartoon Springboard, CartoonNext, and Cartoon Business.
Cartoon Director: Annick Maes