Art by NOZART
Let's call them animation orphans.
With the exception of a few big name panels of Pixar and Dreamworks which typically occur at the AmPav or HP Pavillion at the Majestic there are no other venues and little visibility for animation film at the largest festivals not solely dedicated to animation. Animation Day in Cannes is a new initiative produced by Animaze - Le MIAFF and Filmfestivals.com bringing together animation films, their creators and industry professionals to assemble and talk shop. Animation orphans often linger in the shadows dwarfed by "real life" movies and promo. Animation films are easily lost within the Cannes market place itself where an animation film is often a stand alone poster among many. The current Cannes winner Wave 98 and the now revered Waltz with Balshir are definitely exceptions to the rule nevermind the blockbuster Avatars and Toy Story franchise. Animation is easily misunderstood in the shmorgasboard of confused genres like the new kid in the school yard the lone kid no one pays attention to. Then one day the kid grows up and fulfills their potential nobody saw coming. Just like le MIAFF animator logo with his watering Cannes - all animation needs is TLC as a labour of love! Make no mistake ofcourse Hollywood animation blockbusters do make BIG money. Huge money sometimes and they can also cost a lot to make. More and more, animation film is losing it's wallflower status finally gaining some respect. The genre no one knows quite what to do with. Animation is the "lost little big film" at festivals worldwide is gaining traction and is the fastest growing film genre of all with the potential for the widest audience because the film must entertain the parents (perhaps with inside jokes) that are innocent enough on the surface for the kids to enjoy and not get exposed to adult theme content.
Animation day at Cannes in the world's biggest market place gives animation film a place to call home.
Bringing together a synthesis of panels and various element of the industry, Animation Day at Cannes gathers the stray animation films. We invite animators and industry professionals to join us at our next event.
Please contact
Animaze or filmfestivals.com if you want to get involved with a film or partnership at Animation Day or simply attend as a guest.
