Hungary is set to take the spotlight at this year’s Annecy International Animation Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious events in the field, as the country is honoured for its rich animation heritage. The festival, which kicks off on 8 June, will pay tribute to Hungarian animation’s legacy, its thriving present, and the promising talents shaping its future.
To mark the occasion, the National Film Institute (NFI) has introduced Hungary’s official festival identity, created by Levente Szabó. His design incorporates Annecy’s iconic rabbit symbol with elements of Hungarian visual culture, blending tradition with a fresh, contemporary approach. Szabó, an internationally acclaimed illustrator and a graduate of MOME (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design), previously designed posters for the BAFTA Awards in 2016. He described the project as both an honour and a challenge, as it required crafting a concept that reflects both the uniqueness of Annecy and the distinct character of Hungarian animation.
The festival’s artistic director, Marcel Jean, praised the Hungarian visual identity and announced that the official festival poster, also featuring Szabó’s design, would be unveiled in the coming days. He emphasized that celebrating Hungarian animation means recognizing a cultural tradition that has evolved across generations, continuously pushing creative boundaries.
The recognition of Hungarian animation at Annecy has been championed by the NFI, which proposed the special focus on Hungary to coincide with the 110th anniversary of Hungarian animation. As part of the festival’s preparations, the Friss Hús Short Film Festival—with the support of NFI—is organizing a pitch forum to showcase emerging Hungarian talents. A jury has selected 12 projects to be presented at the first Hungarian Animation Pitch Forum on 28 March at Budapest’s Toldi Cinema.
Several Hungarian animated films have already been selected for screening at Annecy. These films will represent Hungary’s vibrant and diverse animation industry on the international stage.
With its dynamic present, storied past, and exciting future, Hungarian animation will take centre stage at Annecy, offering an unparalleled opportunity for artists, studios, and producers to showcase their work to a global audience.
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