Berlin’s European Film Market Launches Major Animation Days with Annecy in 2026

The European Film Market (EFM) is launching a major new initiative. It is teaming up with the Annecy International Animation Festival. This new program, called EFM Animation Days, will run from February 12-14, 2026. It will happen in Berlin alongside the film festival.

This move signals a big commitment to the global animation industry. It will connect creators, studios, and buyers from around the world. According to industry reports, the event aims to boost European animation’s export potential.

What the New Animation Partnership Will Offer

The three-day program will feature curated pitch sessions and workshops. It will also host networking events and case studies. An “Annecy Animation Showcase EFM” will present animated works in progress.

These projects are slated for delivery in late 2026. The showcase specifically targets buyers and festival programmers. This provides a crucial platform for finished films seeking distribution.

EFM director Tanja Meissner called animation a cultural and economic imperative. She stated the market is committed to supporting producers. The goal is to help them navigate industry transformation.

Broader Industry Impact and Additional New Programs

This focus on animation is part of a wider expansion. The EFM is also launching “EFM Beyond” in 2026. This program will explore cross-media collaboration with gaming and other creative sectors.

It will include workshops on creating new revenue streams. The focus will be on expanding intellectual property across different media formats. This reflects the evolving nature of content creation.

The market continues to support innovation and new talent. Other returning programs include the EFM Startups and the EFM Investors Forum. Morocco has been selected as the 2026 “Country in Focus” for spotlight events.

The launch of EFM Animation Days marks a strategic elevation of the animation sector within one of the world’s key film markets. This collaboration with Annecy is poised to create vital new opportunities for producers and studios across Europe and beyond.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: When will the EFM Animation Days take place?

The inaugural EFM Animation Days are scheduled for February 12 to 14, 2026. They will be held during the European Film Market in Berlin.

Q2: Who is organizing this event?

The event is a collaboration between Berlin’s European Film Market and France’s Annecy International Animation Festival. Annecy is widely considered the world’s leading animation festival.

Q3: What is the main goal of the Animation Days?

The primary goal is to champion the European animation industry on a global stage. It aims to connect creatives with buyers and financiers to boost export and co-production opportunities.

Q4: What other new program is the EFM launching?

The EFM is also launching “EFM Beyond,” a program focused on cross-media collaboration. It will explore opportunities between film, animation, gaming, and adjacent creative sectors.

Q5: What is the Annecy Animation Showcase EFM?

It is a curated selection of animated works in progress, chosen by Annecy. The showcase will present projects set for delivery in the second half of 2026 to interested buyers.