The Annecy International Animation Film Festival has evolved into a crucial platform for major U.S. studios to showcase their highly anticipated animated projects. In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery companies are presenting one of their most impressive lineups to date.
Here are the key highlights from the lineup of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe for this year’s Annecy Festival.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” – In-Depth Discussion with Filmmakers and Sneak Peek
Warner Bros. is making a bold move this year with its first-ever animated adaptation of the beloved “Lord of the Rings” franchise. The film is set to hit theaters on December 13, and lucky attendees at the Annecy festival will have the opportunity to catch an exclusive glimpse of the first publicly screened footage. This special presentation will be led by acclaimed Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, renowned filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, and producer Joseph Chou. Joining them as a special guest is the one and only Andy Serkis.
“The World Premiere of ‘The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie'”
“The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie,” directed by Pete Browngardt and the talented team behind Max’s “Looney Tunes Cartoons,” is set to make its world premiere at this year’s Annecy. This highly anticipated screening is expected to be one of the festival’s most talked-about events. The film follows the adventures of Porky Pig and Daffy Duck, who become Earth’s last line of defense against an impending alien invasion.”
During the making-of session for “Creature Commandos,” the team discussed the process and challenges involved in bringing the characters to life.
Warner Bros. has entrusted filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran with the responsibility of reviving the DC Universe franchise. Their collaboration has already produced the Max original animated series “Creature Commandos,” which will be featured in an Annecy Making-Of session at this year’s festival. During the session, supervising producer Rick Morales and supervising director Balak Yves will delve into the creative process behind the show, which holds great anticipation as the reboot of the DCU.
The inaugural edition of AniMela, an Indian animation festival backed by Annecy, is off to a remarkable start with the screening of the captivating film, ‘Sultana’s Dream.’ This festival promises to be a one-of-a-kind celebration of the creativity and innovation in the Indian animation industry.
“The Making of Session for ‘The Amazing World of Gumball'”
Cartoon Network Studios’ beloved series from the 2010s, “The Amazing World of Gumball,” is set to receive a reboot courtesy of Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. Leading the project will be executive producers Ben Bocquelet and Matthew Layzell, series producer Emma Fernando, composer Xav Clarke, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe’s senior vice president of series, Sarah Fell. Together, they will take fans behind the scenes of the highly anticipated revival of the show.
Spotlight on Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe
Annecy’s Studio Focus presentations offer a glimpse into the future of animation production, showcasing the work of some of the industry’s most influential companies. This year, a trio of Warner Bros. Animation-owned studios will take part in a more mature version of the event. Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe will be featured, with Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim, Suzanna Makkos, Head of Adult Animation at Adult Swim, and Peter Girardi, Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming at Warner Bros. Animation, presenting current and upcoming projects from their respective studios.
Annecy Classics Screening: Celebrating 100 Years of Shorts
The Annecy Classics Screening is a special event that pays tribute to the rich history of short films. This year, the focus is on commemorating 100 years of shorts, showcasing the evolution and impact of this unique art form.
Short films have always held a special place in the world of cinema. They provide a platform for experimentation, creativity, and storytelling in a condensed format. Over the past century, shorts have evolved significantly, reflecting changes in technology, cultural shifts, and artistic trends.
The Annecy Classics Screening aims to showcase a curated selection of classic shorts from different eras, highlighting their enduring relevance and artistic merit. From early pioneers of animation to contemporary masterpieces, this event offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of short films.
One of the highlights of the Annecy Classics Screening is the inclusion of iconic shorts that have left a lasting impact on the industry. These films have become cultural touchstones, inspiring generations of filmmakers and setting new standards for storytelling.
In addition to screenings, the event also features discussions, panels, and presentations by renowned filmmakers, scholars, and experts in the field. These sessions provide valuable insights into the history, techniques, and significance of shorts, enriching the audience’s understanding and appreciation of this art form.
The Annecy Classics Screening is not just a celebration of the past, but also a platform for discovering emerging talent and innovative approaches to short filmmaking. It serves as a reminder of the importance of shorts in shaping the cinematic landscape and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a filmmaker, or simply curious about the world of shorts, the Annecy Classics Screening offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and diverse range of short films. It’s a testament to the enduring power of this art form and its ability to captivate audiences for 100 years and beyond.
To commemorate Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary in 2023, Annecy will showcase a collection of timeless short films from Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna-Barbera, and Cartoon Network Studios. This special screening will treat audiences to the works of animation greats like Friz Freleng, Tex Avery, William Hanna & Joseph Barbera, Chuck Jones, and Genndy Tartakovsky, bringing their masterpieces to the big screen.