The NFB at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. An opening-night film, three shorts in official competition, activities at the film market and more.

May 28, 2025 - Montreal - National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is back at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 8-14), with a strong presence throughout the event. Three NFB short films have been selected for the official competition, including the eagerly awaited The Girl Who Cried Pearls ( La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles ) by the Oscar-nominated duo of Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski ( Madame Tutli-Putli ). It will screen as a world premiere on the festival's opening night.
The NFB will also be taking part in the Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA).
The NFB at the 2025 Annecy festival
The Girl Who Cried Pearls ( La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles ) by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski (opening-night film, official competition, world premiere)
Two other films in official competition: Bread Will Walk ( Le pain se lve ) by Alex Boya and Hairy Legs ( Poil aux jambes ) by Andrea Dorfman
MIFA: Telefilm Canada / NFB networking event and panel on Canadian animation, with Suzanne Guvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB, in attendance
SHORT FILMS - OFFICIAL COMPETITION
The Girl Who Cried Pearls (La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles) by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski (NFB, 16 min) - OPENING-NIGHT FILM AND WORLD PREMIERE
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/the-girl-who-cried-pearls
First screening: Sunday, June 8, 8:30 p.m. (Short Films Official 1)
A haunting fable about a girl overwhelmed by sorrow, the boy who loves her, and how greed leads good hearts to wicked deeds. The film was presented at a Work in Progress at Annecy in 2023. With the voice of: Colm Feore. Original Music: Patrick Watson. Sound Designer: Olivier Calvert. Artistic Director: Brigitte Henry.
Bread Will Walk by Alex Boya (NFB, 11 min 18 s)
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/bread-will-walk
First screening: Friday, June 13, 3:30 p.m. (Short Films Official 6)
A devoted sister flees with her brother, a benevolent, bread-turned zombie. A mob pursues, mouths agape. Streets twist into mazes, reason dissolves, hunger reigns. Can love defy appetite? The film was just featured as part of the Directors' Fortnight in Cannes. Actor Jay Baruchel voices all the characters in the original English version.
Hairy Legs (Poil aux jambes) by Andrea Dorfman (NFB, 17 min)
Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/hairy-legs
First screening: Wednesday, June 11, 3:30 p.m. (Short Films Official 4)
Deciding not to shave her legs at 13 led a young Andrea Dorfman to question and ultimately defy society's expectations. The film received an Honourable Mention for the DGC Award for Best Canadian Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (2024).
MIFA
Telefilm Canada / NFB networking event: Canada, Your Next Animation Partner
Tuesday, June 10, 7 to 9 p.m.
This soiree will underscore the presence of Canadian animation at Annecy and provide opportunities to develop new partnerships. With Suzanne Guvremont, NFB Chairperson, and Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, in attendance. By invitation only.
Panel - Investing in the Future: Canadian Animation at the Forefront
Wednesday, June 11, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
This panel will bring together leaders from the Canadian animation industry as well as filmmakers presenting their projects. With Suzanne Guvremont of the NFB and filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, among others, in attendance.
WOMEN AND ANIMATION, 10 YEARS
Thursday, June 12, 5:30 p.m.
Affairs of the Art (L'art dans le sang) by Joanna Quinn (Beryl Productions International Ltd/NFB, 2021, 16 min 23 s)
How to Be at Home ( la maison) by Andrea Dorfman (NFB, 2021, 4 min 51 s)
HONORARY CRISTAL RECIPIENT JOANNA QUINN
The NFB congratulates filmmaker Joanna Quinn, who this year is a recipient of the Annecy Festival's prestigious Honorary Cristal. She will also lead a captivating masterclass during the festival, talking about her passion for drawing and animation, and sharing secrets of how she brings her characters to life.
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• Winnipeg Free Press

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Globe and Mail

09-06-2025

• Globe and Mail

Oscar-winning stop-motion filmmaker devoted his life to storytelling

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National Observer

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• National Observer

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