Annecy

Ugo Bienvenu’s Arco Shines Bright at Annecy Animated Film Festival, Claiming Top Honors

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Annecy, France — The 44th Annecy Animated Film Festival concluded with notable accolades, highlighting bold storytelling and creative animation. Ugo Bienvenu’s debut feature, Arco, captured the Crystal for Best Feature Film, while Little Amélie and the Character of Rain, directed by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, won the Audience Award. The festival saw a record attendance of 18,200 accredited participants from 118 countries, showcasing the growing interest in animated cinema. The jury, comprising Sepideh Farsi, György Ráduly, and Pablo Picco, awarded the coveted Best Feature Film Crystal to Bienvenu for Arco, which had premiered as … Read more

Japanese Anime Triumph: ‘ChaO’ Snags Jury Award at Annecy Festival, Sparks Anticipation Ahead of August Release

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Annecy, France — The original theatrical anime film “ChaO” has secured the Jury Award at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, held from June 8 to June 14. This victory marks a notable achievement, as it is the first time in nearly eight years that a Japanese film has taken home this accolade. The last winner was the critically acclaimed “In This Corner of the World,” which won in 2017. Set to premiere in Japan on August 15, 2025, “ChaO” is also slated for competition at the Fantasia International Film Festival. This festival will … Read more

Yasuhiro Aoki’s ‘ChaO’ Captivates Jury at Annecy Animation Festival with Enchanting Mermaid Romance

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Paris – Japanese filmmaker Yasuhiro Aoki’s animated feature “ChaO” clinched the Jury Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in southeastern France over the weekend. The film presents a unique narrative set in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids live alongside each other. It follows the romantic journey between an office worker and a mermaid princess, exploring themes of love and coexistence. The voice of the office worker is performed by Ouji Suzuka, while Anna Yamada lends her voice to the mermaid princess. “ChaO” is slated for theatrical release in Japan this August, … Read more

ChaO Anime Film Captivates at Annecy, Snags Prestigious Jury Award

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Annecy, France—The animated film “ChaO” has achieved significant recognition by winning the Jury Award at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This event is well-known for spotlighting innovative animated works from around the globe, making the accolade a notable milestone for the film’s creators. “ChaO” is celebrated for its unique storytelling and visual artistry, which resonate with audiences and critics alike. Filmmakers and industry experts have lauded the film for its fresh narrative approach and emotional depth, setting it apart from conventional offerings in the animation genre. The Annecy Festival, held annually, brings together … Read more