Discover the Best Canadian Animation at Annecy 2025!

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2021’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival welcomes Canada with an eclectic mix of tones and themes, coupled with a wealth of inventive ideas. Ranging from powerful political animations to delightful short stories, Canadian creators continue to demonstrate their significant influence on the international animation scene. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the notable Canadian entries and co-productions gracing this year’s festival lineup.

FEATURE FILMS – OFFICIAL COMPETITION

“Allah Is Not Obliged,” Zaven Najjar (Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg)

Drawing inspiration from Ahmadou Kourouma’s renowned novel, Zaven Najjar’s animated adaptation offers a powerful and heart-wrenching portrayal of a child soldier’s odyssey through West Africa’s devastating conflicts. By skillfully merging animation with documentary-style narration, Najjar creates a visually compelling and emotionally impactful examination of violence, endurance, and the loss of innocence.

“Death Does Not Exist,” Félix Dufour-Laperrière

In his latest work titled “Death Does Not Exist,” Dufour-Laperrière continues to weave poetic and philosophically profound pieces. Unlike a traditional narrative film, this production serves more as an exploration of existential themes, blending hand-drawn textures and voiceovers into a melodious odyssey delving into memory, loss, and metaphysical pondering.

FEATURE FILMS – CONTRECHAMP COMPETITION

“Endless Cookie,”  Seth Scriver, Pete Scriver

The Scriver brothers venture into the realm of the absurd with “Endless Cookie,” an eccentric, quirky story that resembles a philosophical lesson for marijuana enthusiasts about advanced capitalism. Hidden beneath their rough yet endearing animation technique lies incisive social criticism, where a band of outcasts pursue an endless treat.

“Space Cadet” – Eric San aka Kid Koala

As a movie reviewer, I’ve just watched the captivating animation “Space Cadet,” created by the talented musician and multimedia artist Kid Koala. This masterpiece is adapted from his 2011 graphic novel, and it’s a dialogue-free odyssey set in the expansive cosmos.

The narrative unfolds through music and motion, following a young girl astronaut on her journey through space and solitude. The film is richly atmospheric, blending handcrafted visuals with an emotive, electronic soundtrack to create a thought-provoking exploration of separation and connection. It’s a moving and meditative journey that leaves you pondering the universal themes of loneliness and unity.

SHORT FILM COMPETITION

“Bread Will Walk,” Alex Boya

In “Bread Will Walk,” Alex Boya’s unique artistic approach, which combines meticulous detail with a chaotic surrealism, is vividly showcased. This dark fable uses the voice acting of Jay Baruchel and presents an unsettling blend of grotesque humor and moral lesson, as the characters are sentient bread zombies wandering through a devastated world.

“Fusion,” Richard Reeves

In my perspective, I’m elated to be discussing “Fusion,” the latest work by Richard Reeves, who’s renowned for his direct-on-film animation technique. This time around, he delivers a vibrant, abstract short film that pulses with kinetic energy. Each frame is like a rhythmically painted note, creating an immersive, hypnotic experience that feels more like a musical journey than a traditional storyline. Reeves once again demonstrates his mastery by balancing meditative tranquility with explosive vitality, continually pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“Hairy Legs,” Andrea Dorfman

Dorfman, recognized for her feminist perspective and DIY approach, creates an inspiring short that’s both fun and thought-provoking. “Hairy Legs” serves as a vibrant tribute to personal freedom, depicting a woman’s choice to accept herself naturally in a world overly focused on grooming standards.

“The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” Chris Lavis, Maciek Szczerbowski

This enchantingly haunting tale by the duo Clyde Henry combines stop-motion, puppetry, and gothic aesthetics to create a chilling fairy tale. The narrative revolves around a girl who weeps pearls and a boy who harbors a hidden affection for her. Brimming with symbolic layers, the story delves into topics like exploitation, yearning, and metamorphosis. Lavis and Szczerbowski have produced one of the most visually captivating animated shorts this year, and it’s likely to receive significant recognition as the year unfolds.

“The Gnawer of Rocks,” Louise Flaherty

In a fresh take on an ancient Inuit story, the animated film “The Gnawer of Rocks” serves as both a cultural preservation and a spine-tingling adventure. Flaherty’s work is notable for its simple yet powerful approach, allowing the haunting allure of Arctic mythology to resonate without words.

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Adapting an ancient Inuit story into an atmospheric animation, “The Gnawer of Rocks” is both a cultural preservation effort and a chilling narrative. Flaherty’s work shines for its minimalistic style and careful storytelling, allowing the raw beauty and mystery of Arctic folklore to captivate viewers.

PERSPECTIVES

“Bloody Mess,” Megan Wennberg

The animated series ‘Bloody Mess’ tackles the stigma surrounding menstruation in a humorous yet powerful way, transforming a sensitive topic into a symbol of liberation. It skillfully blends personal stories with educational insights, making it engaging, impactful, and essential viewing.

“Ibuka, Justice,” Justice Rutikara

This compelling documentary explores the Rwandan genocide from the perspective of Canadian survivors and advocates for justice. The film employs minimalistic visuals and narrative storytelling guided by voices to guide us through themes of trauma, memory, and the quest for healing and understanding.

YOUNG AUDIENCES

“The Great Annual Party of the Creatures of the Moon,” Francis Desharnais

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say: “In this delightful, quirky tale crafted for our younger audience members, Desharnais’s movie takes us on a vibrant journey to a unique lunar festival filled with oddball monsters. With its captivating visuals and an upbeat atmosphere, the film serves as a heartwarming metaphor for acceptance, unity, and self-love.

GRADUATION FILMS

“Passageways,” Geneviève Tremblay, Milla Cummings

Title duo Tremblay and Cummings presents a dreamlike, non-linear short film that delves into themes of identity and transformation. Seamless transitions and transforming landscapes create an emotionally resonant liminal space, encapsulating the feelings of growing up and letting go. A powerful debut marked by visual and emotional depth.

COMMISSIONED FILMS

CNESST “Hanging by a Thread,” Dale Hayward, Pierre Dalpé

An impactful public service announcement titled “Hanging by a Thread” powerfully illustrates the delicate nature of work environment safety through stop-motion animation. The artists Hayward and Dalpé skillfully combine their tactile abilities with a pressing societal matter, enveloping their advocacy in visually engaging content that captures interest.

“South of Midnight,” Chris Lavis, Maciek Szczerbowski

The enticing trailer for the upcoming video game “South of Midnight” showcases the atmospheric artistry of Lavis and Szczerbowski, transporting it into the gaming realm. Combining Southern Gothic aesthetics with painstaking stop-motion techniques, this ad prepares us for an atmosphere that is both hauntingly beautiful and full of compelling narrative mystery.

Trailer: 22nd Sommets du cinéma d’animation de Montréal, Daniel Gies

The trailer for Gies vividly and enthusiastically embodies the essence of Montreal’s premier animation festival, blending lively motion with a jubilant expression of creative variety.

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2025-06-09 10:19