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Annecy aims to be world animation capital with new 'International City of Animation'

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Annecy, France, known for its international animation film festival, has launched a new "International City of Animation."
  • The facility, housed in a historic 19th-century building, aims to establish Annecy as a global year-round capital for animation.
  • It features a museum, exhibition spaces, a screening room, artist residences, and dining areas, with an opening planned for June 19.

Annecy, a French city renowned for its annual international animation film festival, is stepping up its ambition to become the world's animation capital with the inauguration of its "International City of Animation." This new cultural hub, set to open on June 19, aims to solidify Annecy's status in the animation world beyond its famous festival.

Thanks to this permanent venue, we will be able to establish Annecy as the world capital of animation cinema, and this, all year round.

— Dominique PuthodPresident of Citia, explaining the ambition behind the new International City of Animation.

The city, which has hosted a major animation festival for over 65 years, will now feature a permanent space dedicated to the art form. The International City of Animation is located in a restored 19th-century former stud farm. It includes a museum, two temporary exhibition halls, a large projection room, and artist residences, complemented by landscaped gardens and dining facilities. The project also plans to offer workshops and host events throughout the year.

Dominique Puthod, president of Citia, the public body organizing the festival, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Thanks to this permanent venue, we will be able to establish Annecy as the world capital of animation cinema, and this, all year round." The project, which has been in development since the 1960s, involved three years of renovation work costing 54.5 million euros, funded by local and regional authorities, as well as the state.

What we are experiencing today in Annecy is unique.

— Antoine ArmandThe new mayor of Annecy, expressing the special nature of the cultural initiative.

Mayor Antoine Armand highlighted the significance of the project, particularly given the current national climate of "scarcity of public resources" and "near distrust towards the cultural world." He reaffirmed, "We affirm that there is a French cultural exception and that there will be an Annecy cultural exception." The city's new animation center will open with exhibitions dedicated to studios like Ankama and Laïca, alongside various film screenings.

We affirm that there is a French cultural exception and that there will be an Annecy cultural exception.

— Antoine ArmandMayor of Annecy, emphasizing the city's commitment to culture amidst national challenges.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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