Annecy 2026 International Animation Film Festival announces major screening events

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival has confirmed the first titles for its 2026 Screening Events program, highlighting a selection of high-profile premieres and posthumous releases. Among the most notable presentations is Lysistrata, the final short film by the late Richard Williams. Eleven years after the debut of Prologue, this sequel based on the comedy by Aristophanes serves as the animator’s testament. The film, written and animated by the three-time Academy Award winner, follows the decision of the women of Athens and Sparta to intervene in the war, continuing Williams' long-standing professional connection with the festival.

In addition to this historical screening, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation will host the world premiere of Daffy Season. This brand-new theatrical short aligns with the global focus on football in 2026, featuring Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd in a sports-themed narrative. The production marks a return to the big screen for the franchise ahead of Daffy Duck's 90th anniversary in 2027, maintaining the traditional comedic style and pacing associated with the Looney Tunes brand. According to artistic director Marcel Jean, the inclusion of this short film serves as a thematic nod to the Football World Cup.

The festival lineup also includes a new iteration of the cyberpunk franchise The Ghost in the Shell. Decades after its manga debut, the property returns as an animated series. Annecy will host the world premiere of the first two episodes, accompanied by a presentation from the lead creative team regarding the production process. This screening aims to demonstrate the continued relevance of the source material within the current animation landscape, joining a diverse program that balances heritage works with contemporary commercial franchise expansions.

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