Animation Projects from Russia, France, and Mexico Selected for Annecy Residency 2025
The Annecy Festival Residency, a prestigious platform supporting animated feature film development, has announced its 2025 selection. This marks the program’s fifth edition, set to take place from April 4 to June 27 at Les Papeteries – Image Factory in France. The residency provides selected participants with an opportunity to refine their graphic universes and storytelling with guidance from mentors and CITIA experts.
This year, 36 submissions representing 20 nationalities were received, with 44% of the projects led by women. The selection committee faced a challenging decision, ultimately choosing three projects that stood out for their compelling narratives and the potential impact of the residency on their development. The selected works all explore sensitive, personal stories through historical and cultural lenses, reflecting both timeless and modern societal themes.
The Selected Projects
"Father's Letters"
Director: Alexey Evtigneev (Russia)
Graphic Artist: Dasha Dorofeeva (Russia)
Producers: Clémence Crépin Neel and Igor Courtecuisse (moderato, France)
Set in 1934 Stalinist Russia, this film follows Professor Vangengheim, who, after being sent to a gulag, tries to shield his daughter from the harsh realities of his imprisonment by fabricating a magical expedition through his letters. The poignant tale examines the fragility of innocence under oppressive regimes.
"Kigali Night"
Director/Co-Screenwriter: Samuel Lajus (France)
Artistic Director: Xavier Coste (France)
Co-Screenwriter: Romy Coccia Di Ferro (Italy/Lebanon)
Producers: Jérôme Duc-Mauge (Parmi Les Lucioles, France), Virginie Chapelle, and Samuel Tilman (Eklektik Productions, Belgium)
This narrative is set in Rwanda two years before the genocide. It captures the experiences of a young Frenchman working in Kigali, grappling with the disturbing realities surrounding him and his evolving understanding of international complicity.
"Kolaval"
Director/Co-Creator: Karla Velázquez (Mexico)
Author/Co-Creator: Adrian Saldaña (Mexico)
Producers: Julián Sánchez, Cristina Cuevas, Nidia Santiago, and Edwina Liard (Ikki Films, France)
A bold 12-year-old warrior from a village under siege embarks on a journey into a mystical forest. Guided by ancestral legends and newfound powers, she confronts her destiny, weaving hope and resilience into her community’s survival.
The Selection Committee
The committee included notable figures from the animation industry, such as Aurel (Illustrator and Director), Vanessa Buttin-Labarthe (Producer, Les Astronautes), Amandine Fredon (Director), Stéphane Kazandjian (Screenwriter), and Valérie Yendt (Distributor, Gebeka Films). They unanimously praised the chosen projects for their evocative storytelling and universal appeal.
About the Residency
The Annecy Festival Residency provides a nurturing environment for animators to experiment, collaborate, and elevate their creative visions. By focusing on feature-length animations, the residency bridges the gap between artistic exploration and industry recognition at events like the Annecy Festival and Mifa.