#France #Chinese Animation #Annecy Festival #Annecy #Zoland Animation

Chinese Animation Takes Center Stage at the 2025 Annecy Festival

The 49th Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market kicked off in June 2025, and true to form, it brought together the best in animation from around the globe. Among the most noteworthy presentations was a strong showcase from the Chinese animation sector, reflecting a commitment to creativity and collaboration. The China Pavilion was at the heart of this endeavor, managed by the China Animation Association (CAA) and executed by Zoland Animation.

With participation from prominent animation companies such as CCTV Animation Group, Zoland Animation, and Fantawild International, the pavilion featured over 20 exceptional animations. This showcase not only represented the advancement of Chinese animation but also offered insights into the comprehensive development of its industry. The pavilion attracted significant attention from industry insiders, celebrating the fusion of Eastern aesthetics with modern digital storytelling.

A Platform for Collaboration and Cultural Exchange

The pavilion provided an excellent platform for cultural exchange and business opportunities. The event saw more than 3000 visitors from over 30 countries, including France, the UK, and Germany. It facilitated over 220 meetings and numerous partnerships, emphasizing the broad appeal and potential of Chinese animation on an international scale.

One of the standout features was a presentation titled When Eastern Aesthetics Meets the Digital Era. This initiative underscored the depth of creativity present in Chinese works. During the Networking Cocktail Hour, industry professionals engaged in discussions about market trends and cross-cultural narratives, highlighting a keen interest in collaborative projects.

Among the highlights was My Nezha from CCTV Animation Group, which blends Eastern mythology with internationally recognized IP. This project garnered considerable interest from international buyers. Moreover, Fantawild International's cooperation with Mediawan on Miraculous Ladybug signified the growing ties between global animation entities.

Zoland Animation made waves with Legend of King Qian, which was well-received during its overseas debut and has led to numerous co-production discussions. Hangzhou Younuo Animation was also hailed for Cultural Practices of Chen Jinggu, resulting in invites for co-production and distribution contracts. In a significant deal, Shenzhen Tiantian Chengzhang signed an agreement with STORYCRITTERS to bring The Li Brocade Weaver to the international stage.

Expanding Horizons Beyond Traditional Boundaries

The event also marked significant educational exchanges between Chinese animation schools and international counterparts. Institutions like the Communication University of China (CUC) and Jilin Animation Institute engaged with schools such as GOBELINS Paris to foster international educational cooperation in animation. The dialogues conducted at Mifa revealed the growing dynamism of Chinese animation education, with a strong emphasis on the integration of talent recruitment and innovation.

WinSing Animation showcased a feature film, Into the Mortal World, which was selected for the official competition—an achievement marking the international recognition of Chinese animation’s creative capabilities. Additionally, CUC students earned the XPPen Award for their film, Won't Be Here, highlighting the exceptional talent emerging from the country.

A Bright Future for Chinese Animation

The journey of Chinese animation at the Annecy Festival not only highlighted current achievements but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and intercultural dialogue. As the industry embraces openness and cooperative engagement, it steadily carves out a unique niche on the global stage. By highlighting creative innovations and cultural narratives, Chinese animation is poised to captivate audiences around the world and paint a distinctive chapter in the story of global animation.