Last October, Unifrance launched the first edition of MyFrenchAnimationDays (MyFAD), an initiative aimed at highlighting French animation on an international scale. Its outcomes were hugely encouraging.
Taking place from October 11 to 31, 2024, in synergy with International Animation Day and the Fête du Cinéma d'Animation in France, MyFAD was conceived as an opportunity for exchange and discovery, linking film and audiovisual content through educational activities and screenings.
MyFrenchAnimationDays took place in three stages:
Discovery Workshops: A bridge to young people
The Discovery Workshops, aimed at children aged three to 10, were devised to stimulate creativity and imagination in the youngest, and to encourage learning while having fun. These workshops were organized around four animation series: Edmond and Lucy (MIAM! Animation), Gigantosaurus (Cyber Group Studios), Simon Super Rabbit (GO-N Productions), and Zig & Sharko (Xilam Animation).
Educational kits created with the help of the producers and an educationalist were distributed to 52 French-speaking classes and schools around the world. These kits included instructional videos on how to create an animated work and a teaching pack to guide classroom activities, with a complete episode of each series available to pupils. Thanks to these kits, children were able to discover the essentials of animation.
Feedback from schools taking part in the Discovery Workshops program was particularly positive, testifying to the success of this initiative with pupils and teachers alike. Pupils were fascinated by the steps involved in creating a cartoon, realizing the extent of the work involved. Teachers praised the teaching kit for its simplicity and adaptability, particularly appreciated in times of busy school curricula.
In addition, as part of the workshops, an optional drawing competition allowed students to present their vision of animated characters and their environment. The jury comprised three international audiovisual buyers, Vicky Schröderus (YLE), Franck Dietz (Super RTL), and Telidja Klai (VRT), as well as the Director of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Mickaël Marin, and the Managing Director of the AFCA, Isabelle Vanini.
The jury met on January 16 and selected four classes:
- Fourth grade class, Lycée Français International of Canton, China, for a captivating drawing combining collage and traditional drawing, and incorporating elements from the Vendée Globe.
- Fifth grade class, International School of San Antonio, Texas, USA, recognized for its attention to detail and graphic mastery.
- Fifth grade class, Lycée Français International of Canton, China, for a work combining humor and graphic innovation.
- Pre-K class from the same school, praised for its originality and creativity.
MyFAD Online Talks: A bridge between animation creators and animation industry students
The MyFAD Online Talks offered a dynamic platform for students and professionals from the world of animation. Moderated by Daniela Elstner, these online encounters provided an opportunity for dialogue with emblematic figures from the industry.
The first talk, "With Jérémy Zag and Aton Soumache: Discover the world of animation", brought together Jérémy Zag, founder and CEO of ZAG, and Aton Soumache, president of The Magical Society. The discussion focused on the worldwide success, both on the big and small screen, of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, exploring the creation of a unique and international universe. The duo immersed participants in the fascinating world of animation, sharing valuable insights into the conceptualization and production of animated series that resonate on a global scale.
The second talk, "With John Coven and Briana Yarhouse: How to become an animator?", brought together John Coven, director of the animation film department at Gobelins - L'École de l'Image, and Briana Yarhouse, director of ASIFA's International Animation Day and director of the animation program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Animation was approached as a universal language. The two speakers discussed the various possibilities open to young people to embark on a career as an animator, from specialized schools to career opportunities, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes to inspire future animators.
These talks were recorded and are freely available on Unifrance's YouTube channel.
Special screenings in cinemas: Animation meets its audience
In Norway and Poland, Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds captivated audiences. In Norway, the screening was enhanced by the presence of Nordubb's dubbing manager and Josfine, who lends her voice to the main character, in collaboration with Another World Entertainment. In Poland, the film was introduced by its director Benoît Chieux at a special event that also included an art workshop and afternoon snack, attended by 150 children from five bilingual schools in Warsaw.
In the United Kingdom, two screenings were organized, in collaboration with the local Institut Français: Mars Express, which attracted an audience with a passion for science fiction, and The Siren, introduced by an interview with director Sepideh Farsi, adding value to the cinematic experience.
In Italy, premieres of Flow in Rome and Milan, organized by distributor Teodora Film, were sold out. The calendar closed with a festive end-of-year screening of Animal Tales of Christmas Magic, in collaboration with distributor Satine Film.
Towards an even more expansive second edition to promote the richness and diversity of French animation!
Building on the success of the first edition, Unifrance will focus on staging a second edition of MyFAD, with these highlights enriched by other initiatives in partnership with French and international institutions and professionals.
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