At the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Hungary is not merely participating, it is being celebrated as the fest’s official country of honor.
Hungary arrives in the French lakeside town in full force, with an impressive mix of of history, innovation and emerging talent that spans 111 years of animation legacy. Under the guidance of Ildiko Takacs, director of the Hungarian Tribute program, the country is presenting more than 80 works, a new immersive screening format and a vibrant presence throughout the city of Annecy.
“This is a super recognition,” Takacs told Variety ahead of this year’s festival. “It’s not just about the past. It’s about where we are and where we’re going. We’re a small country with a difficult language, but animation and moving images have always been a way for us to communicate with the world.”
A Symbolic Anniversary
Hungary’s animation industry officially celebrated its 110th anniversary last year, a milestone marked by growing global recognition. However, the timing of this Annecy tribute lands it on the country’s 111th year in animation, a number that, while unconventional, holds its own charm.
“We are very happy with this 111,” Takacs said with a smile. “The idea started taking shape over a year ago. But preparations really began in October. It was a short runway to prepare something of this magnitude, but we made it.”
Hungary’s tribute at Annecy is a comprehensive celebration: restored classics, student works, experimental shorts and contemporary features, all curated by animation specialists Anna Ida Orosz and Réka Bucsi from the Hungarian National Film Institute.
“We wanted to create something that would not only showcase what we have done but also foster ongoing collaboration,” Takacs emphasized. “That’s why we chose to feature works from across generations and styles.”
The Dome: Immersive and Experimental
One of the most ambitious elements of the tribute is the debut of the Hungarian Dome, Annecy’s first-ever geodesic dome screening venue. Installed at Place François de Menthon, the Dome presents specially adapted immersive content, combining state-of-the-art projection with narrative experimentation.
“I’m very curious to see how people will react,” said Takacs. “The Dome is new, bold and very different. The Annecy team has been incredibly supportive of this experimental journey. We’re grateful they believed in the concept.”
Among the Dome presentations is a VR documentary titled “10 Hours Missing,” which blends real-world testimonies with immersive storytelling. “It’s the kind of brave, boundary-pushing work that reflects what Hungarian animation stands for,” said Takacs
On the Streets and in the Soul
In addition to the formal screenings, Hungary’s presence is also being felt quite literally on the streets of Annecy. An ambitious street art exhibition called “Hunimation Hits the Streets,” created by Daniel Huszár, is transforming public spaces into animated wonderlands.
Iconic characters such as The Rabbit With Checkered Ears – sure to be a hit with Annecy festivalgoers – and figures from “Cat City” and “Les Contes Populaires Hongrois” will emerge from alleyways, cafés and hotel façades, interacting playfully with the architecture.
“I always dreamed of seeing our own animation characters out in the world after Disney on Ice in Budapest years ago,” Takacs recalled. “And now it’s happening. When I saw the Checkered-Eared Rabbit downtown, I got goosebumps.”
Checkered-Eared Rabbit in the Window of an Annecy Cafe
Credit: Ildiko Takacs
Past, Present and Future of Hungarian Animation
From the outside, Hungary’s animation scene might appear eclectic, but that’s precisely its strength. Unlike many countries that become known for specific stylistic traditions, Hungarian animation is defined by its diversity.
“I’m so happy you said that,” Takacs said when asked about Hungary’s lack of a single identifiable style. “People often ask me to define Hungarian animation, but it’s not easy. There’s no mold. We do everything: 2D, stop motion, CG, experimental. It’s part of who we are.”
This diversity is evident in the wide-ranging official selection at Annecy: Péter Vácz’s “Dog Ear” in competition, Gábor Ulrich’s “Capriccio” in Off-Limits, Anna Tőkés’s “The Last Drop” in the graduation category and the series “Kippkopp and Tipptopp” by Tama Mikori demonstrate a strong diversity of styles, stories and intended audiences.
‘Dog Ear’
Credit: Annecy
Training the Next Generation
A key factor behind Hungary’s creative breadth is the country’s strong emphasis on education. Institutions like MOME (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design) have long been breeding grounds for animation talent, and new programs at Budapest Metropolitan University and Esterházy Károly University are expanding that reach.
“There’s a whole bus of students arriving, [to Annecy]” Takacs said. “They’re coming to learn, connect and be inspired. We’re even documenting their journey to Annecy for a future film.”
Graduation projects are supported not only by their schools but also by the National Film Institute, giving young animators a financial and institutional boost early in their careers.
“We want these students to feel empowered to try new things,” Takacs added. “That’s why we’re also organizing panels like ‘Paycheck vs Prestige,’ to talk honestly about what it means to build a career in animation.”
A Hub for Global Co-Productions
Hungary has become a go-to destination for animation services, thanks in large part to its generous 30% tax rebate. The rebate applies to traditional animation as well as cinematic trailers and gaming content.
“We’ve been a strong service provider,” Takacs said. “Studios like DIGIC Pictures, Ionart Studios and Puppetworks are doing incredible work for international clients. And the rebate system is efficient, you don’t have to wait years to see your money.”
Still, Takacs stresses that the future lies not just in providing services, but in originating world-class original stories.
Building a Lasting Platform
Annecy’s Hungary tribute also marks the launch of Hunimation.com, the first English-language platform dedicated to promoting Hungarian animation. Supported by the National Film Institute and curated by Friss Hús Budapest, the site showcases 75 works from 24 studios.
And while the Annecy tribute is the centerpiece, it’s only part of a broader long-term vision. “We want this to have a lasting effect, not just one week in June. That’s why we’ve involved educators, producers, curators and policymakers. The collaboration has been incredible.”
For Takacs and her team, Annecy 2025 is both a milestone and a launchpad. As Hungary’s animation industry steps confidently into the spotlight, it carries with it a legacy of experimentation, a commitment to education and an eye firmly on the future.
