This year’s Annecy International Animation Festival is set to be one for the books, as The Walt Disney Company brings together all its powerhouse animation divisions under one banner for the first time ever. Attendees can look forward to an expansive and dynamic celebration of creativity, innovation, and storytelling, featuring presentations, panels, and premieres from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Animation, Lucasfilm, Disney Television Animation, and 20th Television Animation.
The 2025 edition of the festival also marks the 30th anniversary of Toy Story—a groundbreaking film that changed the face of animation—and promises special tributes in its honor.
Major Studio Highlights & Creators in Attendance
The Annecy Festival will welcome top creative leaders from Disney’s iconic studios, including Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer (Monsters, Inc., Up, Inside Out) Jared Bush, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer and Director/Writer of Zootopia 2, Ron Clements, legendary Disney Animation director (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin) and Matt Groening, the trailblazing creator of The Simpsons.
Audiences will get sneak peeks, exclusive footage, and behind-the-scenes insights from upcoming releases such as Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Elio and Hoppers (Pixar Animation Studios) Eyes of Wakanda (Marvel Animation), Dragon Striker and Kiff (Disney Television Animation), Star Wars: Visions – Black and Tales of the Empire (Lucasfilm), and The Simpsons (20th Television Animation)
Walt Disney Animation Studios at Annecy
On Friday, June 13, Jared Bush will take the stage to present an early look at Zootopia 2, the highly anticipated sequel that reunites Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they chase a mysterious reptilian suspect shaking up the city. The film is slated for theatrical release on November 26, 2025.
To cap off the week, fans can enjoy an open-air screening of the original Zootopia on June 14 at Le Pâquier. In recognition of his legendary work, Ron Clements will also be honored with an induction into Annecy’s Walk of Fame.
Pixar Celebrates the Future—and the Past
Pete Docter will headline a must-see Pixar presentation on Friday, June 13, revealing details and footage from the studio’s future releases. Alongside filmmakers Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Mary Alice Drumm, he’ll share insights into Elio, an interstellar coming-of-age story hitting theaters summer 2025.
Pixar will also unveil first looks at:
Hoppers, a heartfelt sci-fi tale about robotic animals and consciousness
Toy Story 5, continuing the legacy of Woody, Buzz, and the gang
The session will also feature rarely seen behind-the-scenes material from the original Toy Story, celebrating its 30th anniversary. Docter himself will be inducted into the Annecy Walk of Fame for his extraordinary impact on animation.
Marvel Animation Premieres Eyes of Wakanda
On Monday, June 9, Marvel Animation presents a world premiere screening of the first episode of Eyes of Wakanda, an action-packed historical adventure that follows Wakandan warriors on high-stakes missions across time.
Todd Harris, Director and Executive Producer, will join a special conversation about the four-episode series, launching August 6, 2025, exclusively on Disney+.
Disney Television Animation: Dragon Striker & Kiff
On Tuesday, June 10, fans will get a deep dive into the anime-inspired sports/fantasy series Dragon Striker from Chouette Studios. Creators and key artists will share the show’s creative journey—from early development to its musical collaborations and stunning visual world-building.
Also in competition is Kiff, the animated buddy comedy making waves in the TV category this year.
The Simpsons Take the Spotlight
Annecy will roll out the yellow carpet for Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, alongside longtime collaborators Matt Selman and David Silverman. On June 10, the trio will participate in a special screening event and Q&A, followed by a fan signing session. That day, Groening will receive an Honorary Cristal for his influence on animation and pop culture.
On June 11, Silverman will showcase his iconic live drawing skills at Mifa Campus.
Lucasfilm Delivers Double Premieres
Lucasfilm joins the Short Films competition with Black, a new Star Wars: Visions short from visionary animator Shinya Ohira (Akira, Mind Game). The short explores a surreal psychic conflict through stunning, hand-drawn visuals.
Additionally, Tales of the Empire: Devotion, directed by Saul Ruiz, will screen in the TV Films competition. The episode follows Barriss Offee, a former Jedi turned Inquisitor, in a powerful story about identity and allegiance.
See you from June 8th to 14th, 2025! Follow Animation Scoop to stay up to date on all things Annecy this year!
