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The Annecy Festival continues to champion cutting-edge global animation, from studio tentpoles to indie darlings. This year’s Work in Progress showcase – always one of the most popular sidebars at any edition of the fest – offers an enticing glimpse into 12 upcoming features and four series in varying stages of production. Here’s a look at this year’s impressive 16-title lineup.
FEATURES
“Carmen,” Sébastien Laudenbach (France)
From “Chicken for Linda!” and “The Girl Without Hands” director Sébastien Laudenbach, “Carmen” is set in 1840s Seville and follows Salva, a teen assistant to a blind knife grinder, who becomes captivated by a young gypsy woman with a haunting voice. A grim prophecy foretelling Carmen’s death sets Salva and his gang of street kids on a desperate mission to change her fate. Animated in a painterly 2D style, this atmospheric French production weaves suspense, music, and youthful defiance into a tale as rich as the Andalusian setting itself.
‘Daisy’s Life’
Credit: Yoshitomo Nara
“Daisy’s Life,” Masaaki Yuasa (Japan, France)
Iconic “Mind Game” and “Inu-Oh” director Masaaki Yuasa’s new studio ame pippin will present its first feature, “Daisy’s Life,” a quiet, emotional story of loss and mysterious comfort. After a tragic accident leaves six-year-old Daisy without her mother, she moves in with her aunt. One night, a strange girl appears at her window, setting off a surreal, dreamlike journey through grief and healing. A Japan-France co-production, this 2D animated film promises a poetic and introspective tone to tell a story of finding hope through connection.
‘Fairyheart’
“Fairyheart,” Anita Doron (Hungary, Canada, Germany)
In a fantastic fairy kingdom, a young outcast named Lala challenges an oppressive wizard to restore harmony between fairies and humans. Upon meeting a grieving human girl named Bea, Lala sets out to reconnect the two realms, even if it means sacrificing his very essence. “Fairyheart” is a rich allegory of empathy and unity, blending Hungarian, Canadian, and German artistry in stunning 2D animation. With a compelling script and emotionally resonant themes, it’s a family film brimming with heart and imagination. Mythberg Films, Lakeside Animation Inc., Traumhaus Studios and Cinemon Entertainment produce.
‘Fallen’
“Fallen,” Louis Clichy (France, Belgium)
“Fallen,” produced by Eddy Cinema and Beside Productions, centers on Christophe, a young boy in a back brace navigating the emotional and physical burdens of rural life under a neglectful father. With the farm facing bankruptcy and modernization pressures, Christophe must decide whether to forge his own path or reconnect with his broken family. Directed by Louis Clichy, this drama offers a grounded, intimate portrayal of childhood resilience. Through expressive 2D animation, “Fallen” delves into themes of estrangement, personal growth, and the weight of legacy.
‘Heirloom’
“Heirloom,” Upamanyu Bhattacharyya (India)
Set in 1960s Ahmedabad, “Heirloom” presents a poignant domestic drama through the lens of craftsmanship and cultural identity. Kirti, a businessman fighting to preserve traditional handlooms, is at odds with his ailing wife Sonal, who urges a shift toward industrial powerlooms for survival. As a tapestry mysteriously reflects their family’s history, the couple must confront their values. Directed by Upamanyu Bhattacharyya and animated with puppetry and 2D techniques, this Indian film merges the personal and political in richly textured storytelling. Arya Menon, Odd&Even Pictures, Other Studios, Arpan Gaglani and Shubham Karna produce.
‘In Waves’
“In Waves,” Phuong Mai Nguyen (France, Belgium, U.S.)
“In Waves” chronicles a tender teenage romance between AJ, a shy dreamer, and Kristen, a vivacious surfer whose health begins to fade. Set against sun-drenched beaches and crashing waves, this coming-of-age tale celebrates the power of love and friendship. A France-Belgium-U.S. co-production directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, the film blends 2D and 3D animation with a wistful, melancholic beauty. With a strong voice cast and a stirring original score, “In Waves” promises emotional depth and visual serenity. Silex Films, Anonymous Content, Charades and Gao Shan Pictures are producing.
‘Lucy Lost’
“Lucy Lost,” Olivier Clert (France)
French indie giant Xilam produces this 2D feature. Born with glowing white hair and mystical powers, Lucy has always felt like an outsider, even in the embrace of her loving family. Her only true friend is Milly, a girl no one else can see. When danger threatens, Lucy embarks on an adventure to uncover the truth about herself and her powers. Directed by Olivier Clert, “Lucy Lost” is a French fantasy epic that aims to enchant families with its mix of mystery, magic, and self-discovery.
‘The Cat in the Hat’
“The Cat in the Hat,” Alessandro Carloni, Erica Rivinoja (U.S.)
Dr. Seuss’s iconic troublemaker returns in “The Cat in the Hat,” a colorful new animated feature from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. This time, the Cat is on a mission for the Institute of Imagination, bringing joy to two siblings struggling to adjust to life in a new town. Directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja, this big studio production reimagines the beloved character for a modern audience, blending whimsical humor and visual inventiveness in a heartwarming story about play, creativity and transformation.
‘The Devil’s Vein’
“The Devil’s Vein,” Germán Acuña (Chile, Colombia)
Backed by Chile’s Formidable Studio and Colombia’s Lucy Animation Studio, “The Devil’s Vein” is a dark mystery set in a mining town consumed by greed and myth. When her brother vanishes deep within a supposedly cursed gold mine, young Mercedes ventures underground to uncover the truth. Facing corporate deception and supernatural forces, she must brave terrifying depths. Directed by Germán Acuña (“Nauhel and the Magic Book”), this thriller combines gritty storytelling with striking 2D visuals. Melding horror, folklore, and familial loyalty, the film promises a suspenseful and atmospheric descent into the unknown.
‘The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black’
“The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black,” Sunao Katabuchi (Japan)
Set in ancient Kyoto during an era of celestial omens and societal decay, “The Mourning Children” is an epic, contemplative tale from director Sunao Katabuchi and producer Contrail. Blending history with quiet emotional observation, the film follows Nagiko and her peers as they navigate loss, illness, and apocalyptic signs. With a runtime of 137 minutes, this Japanese production stands as a rare artistic commitment to the slow, profound rhythms of life and grief, animated in elegant 2D and scored by the renowned Akira Senju.
‘The Violinist’
“The Violinist,” Ervin Han, Raul Garcia (Singapore, Spain, Italy)
In pre-war Singapore, Fei and Kai are inseparable friends and aspiring violinists. When war tears them apart, Fei spends a lifetime searching for Kai, her music echoing with memory and longing. As she faces old age, Fei must choose between chasing the past and embracing her own voice. “The Violinist,” directed by Ervin Han and Raul Garcia, is a moving historical drama co-produced by Singapore, Spain and Italy. Featuring expressive 2D animation, this film explores loss, resilience, and the enduring power of music. Robot Playground Media, TV On Producciones and Altri Occhi produce.
‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah’
“Zsazsa Zaturnnah,” Avid Liongoren (Philippines, France)
When a shy gay man swallows a magical rock, he transforms into Zsazsa Zaturnnah, a sassy, high-heeled superheroine ready to take on the patriarchy with flair. Produced by Rocketsheep Studios and Ghosts City Films and directed by Avid Liongoren, the film promises campy fun and fierce empowerment, combining comic book aesthetics with musical flair. Adapted from Carlo Vergara’s cult graphic novel, “Zsazsa Zaturnnah” is both a celebration of queer identity and a riotous send-up of superhero tropes. Expect bold visuals, catchy tunes and a whole lot of heart.
SERIES
‘Bitches’
“Bitches,” Manon Tacconi (France)
Set in the gritty yet vibrant heart of Marseille, “Bitches” follows best friends Jess and Alana as they swap gossip, ambition, and unapologetic sass at their favorite bar. This adult-targeted series from producer Caïmans Productions and director Manon Tacconi explores female friendship with a sharp comedic edge and expressive 2D animation. With quick wit and a strong visual voice, “Bitches” promises to be a bold and stylish addition to Annecy’s series lineup.
‘Get Jiro’
“Get Jiro,” Rick Morales (U.S.)
In a dystopian Los Angeles where chefs wield more power than politicians, “Get Jiro” pits culinary ambition against bloody vengeance. This American series adaptation of the best-selling DC/Vertigo graphic novel, produced by Warner Bros. Animation, stars a mysterious sushi master in a hyper-violent food war. Directed by Rick Morales and boasting stylized 2D visuals, “Get Jiro” mixes noir, action and satire in a feast for adult audiences hungry for something bold and offbeat.
‘Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch’
“Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch,” Guillaume Dousse, Félicien Colmet Daâge (France, U.S.)
Based on Ubisoft’s popular game franchise and produced by the developer, “Deathwatch” brings Sam Fisher’s stealthy world to the small screen with a gritty new animated series. Co-directed by Guillaume Dousse and Félicien Colmet Daâge and bound for Netflix, the show follows the covert operations and moral conflicts of its iconic protagonist. With writing from Derek Kolstad (“John Wick”) and music by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans, the series promises espionage, tech and tension in a sharply drawn 2D style.
‘Women Wearing Shoulderpads’
“Women Wearing Shoulder Pads,” Gonzalo Cordova, Rodolfo Ambriz, Arturo Ambriz, Ana Coronilla, Fernanda G. Manzur, Irene Melis, Roberto Petiches, Marta Hernaiz Pidal (U.S., Mexico)
Part telenovela, part absurdist mystery, “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” is a surreal comedy about a wealthy woman who moves to Ecuador to breed guinea pigs for profit, only to be haunted by a stalker. With puppet animation and visual inventiveness, this Adult Swim series blends satire, suspense and Latin American flair. Directed by a creative collective from Cinema Fantasma – the show’s production company, this offbeat series plays with genre and identity, ensuring a delightfully strange and unpredictable viewing experience.
