Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026
The world capital of animation returns to Lake Annecy for a week of films, premieres and creative discovery.
For one week each June, Annecy becomes the centre of the animation world. The town fills with filmmakers, studios, artists, students, industry professionals and animation fans, while screenings, talks, open-air cinema and creative events take over venues around the lake and old town. It is one of the most distinctive cultural weeks in the Alps, with a warm festival atmosphere and a setting that is hard to beat.
Bottom line: The Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026 takes place from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 June 2026. The festival is widely recognised as the world’s leading animation film event, with screenings, premieres, open-air events, meetings and industry activity across Annecy.
Planning your trip to Annecy? If you want to find out more about the town, transfers and how to get there from Geneva Airport, take a look at our Annecy destination guide.
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What is the Annecy International Animation Film Festival?
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is the world’s leading festival dedicated to animated film. It has been part of Annecy’s cultural identity since 1960, when the town first became a major meeting place for animation.
The festival celebrates animation in many forms, from short films and feature films to television work, commissioned films, student projects, immersive formats and major studio presentations. It is a place to discover new work, see premieres, meet creators and understand where animation is heading next.
The 2026 edition runs from 21–27 June 2026. The final programme will be confirmed by the festival closer to the event, but the week usually includes screenings, official selections, special events, open-air cinema, talks, exhibitions, signing sessions and professional meetings.
Official event website:
Visit the official Annecy International Animation Film Festival website
Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026 dates and location
- Event: Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026
- Dates: Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 June 2026
- Location: Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France
- Festival focus: Animated film, industry events, screenings and creative meetings
- Typical programme: Film screenings, premieres, open-air cinema, talks, exhibitions and professional events
- Nearest major airport: Geneva Airport
Official festival information:
Check the latest details on the official Annecy Festival website
What to expect during the festival week
The festival gives Annecy a different rhythm. Cinemas, cultural venues and public spaces become part of the programme, while the old town, lakefront and cafés fill with conversations about films, studios and new projects.
Expect a varied programme across the week, including:
- Official selection screenings: New animated films from around the world.
- Feature films and short films: Competition screenings and special programmes.
- Open-air screenings: Evening films in a relaxed outdoor setting.
- Meetings and talks: Sessions with directors, artists, studios and industry voices.
- Exhibitions and signing sessions: Extra events around animation culture and creativity.
- Industry activity: Professional meetings and market events linked to the animation sector.
The official Annecy Festival site noted that the 2025 edition received more than 4,000 films from around the world and shortlisted 200 films for the official selection. This gives a good sense of the scale and international reach of the event.
Why the Annecy Animation Festival is worth adding to your plans
The festival is one of Annecy’s biggest cultural events of the year. It has global reach, but the setting keeps it approachable: screenings by day, lake walks between events and open-air cinema in the evening.
Annecy itself is a major part of the experience. The old town, canals, lakefront and mountain backdrop make the week feel different from a standard city film festival.
The timing also works well. Late June is a strong period for combining Annecy with a wider Alpine stay, with summer activities starting properly across the region and Geneva Airport offering easy access to the town.
If you would like to find out more about what’s going on in Annecy before or after the festival, check out our news and events page.
Getting to Annecy for the festival
The simplest route: Fly into Geneva Airport, then travel to Annecy by pre-booked airport transfer.
- Typical Geneva to Annecy journey time: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and your final address
- Route: Geneva Airport to Annecy
- Border: Switzerland to France, so carry a valid passport or travel document
- Useful for: Late arrivals, families, groups, hotel transfers and onward Alpine travel
Mountain Drop-offs provides door-to-door transfers from Geneva Airport to Annecy and other popular Alpine and lakeside destinations. A pre-booked transfer is especially useful during festival week, when accommodation, parking and local transport can be busier than usual.
Compare transfer options:
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Transfer options for Annecy Animation Festival visitors
| Transfer option | Best for | Why it suits festival week |
|---|---|---|
| Shared transfer | Solo travellers and small groups | Cost-effective travel from Geneva Airport to selected Alpine and lakeside destinations. |
| Flexi shared transfer | More flexible travel plans | Useful if your flight times or plans may change before travelling. |
| Private transfer | Families, groups and late arrivals | Direct travel to your accommodation with no waiting for other passengers. |
| VIP transfer | Extra comfort and convenience | Premium vehicles and a more comfortable arrival after a long journey. |
Book your transfer:
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Practical tips for festival week
- Check the official programme: Screenings, talks and special events are released by the festival closer to the date.
- Book accommodation early: Annecy is very busy during festival week.
- Plan screening times carefully: Popular films and special events may require advance booking or accreditation.
- Allow time between venues: Annecy is walkable, but festival crowds can slow movement through the centre.
- Make time for open-air screenings: These are often one of the most memorable parts of the week.
- Book transfers early: Late June is a busy period for Annecy, Geneva Airport and the wider Alps.
FAQs
When is the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026?
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026 takes place from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 June 2026.
Where does the festival take place?
The festival takes place across Annecy, using cinemas, cultural venues and public spaces around the town.
What kind of films are shown?
The festival focuses on animation, including short films, feature films, student films, television works, commissioned films and immersive formats.
Is Annecy Festival only for industry professionals?
No. The festival includes professional industry activity, but there are also screenings, open-air events and public-facing parts of the programme.
How do I get from Geneva Airport to Annecy for the festival?
The simplest option is to pre-book a Geneva Airport to Annecy transfer. Mountain Drop-offs provides door-to-door transfers to Annecy and other Alpine and lakeside destinations.
Should I book my transfer early?
Yes. The festival is one of Annecy’s busiest weeks of the year, so early booking is recommended for transfers and accommodation.