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This is the week of Annecy, the world’s largest animation festival, and it’s a special one for us this time as Annecy shines a creative spotlight on Irish animation. If you’re heading to Annecy, here are some things to look out for:

40 Frames of Green – an extensive programme of Irish animation including short films, TV shows and more, curated by Steve Woods, with the assistance of the SDGI and IFI. Among the programme, one of my favourite episodes of Fluffy Gardens will be showing along with an old short of mine, Not There Yet, that is sadly as relevant today as it was when it was made.

Animation Industry Panel – a Territory Focus panel discussion on what Irish Animation has to offer in co-productions, taking place on Wednesday 6th.

Irish Film Board Networking Event – on Thursday, there is a wine reception hosted by the Irish Film Board and Enterprise Ireland with keynote speech by director, Tomm Moore. A great place to make introductions.

SDGI and Animation Ireland’s Green Night – this is going to be a big one! A night out at Finn Kelly’s Pub on Friday 8th to celebrate with Irish directors, producers and animators and, of course, all are welcome from every corner of the world. It promises to be a fun night out for everyone where you’ll build relationships, meet people from all ends of the industry and, most of all, just have a good time. It’s the no-pressure ‘just enjoy it’ night, so come along. And if you see me there and we haven’t met yet, introduce yourself.

With Cosmo being so incredibly busy right now, I won’t be there for the full week but I’m flying in on Thursday and will be there until Sunday representing the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, Cosmo and Monster Animation so I’m looking forward to seeing you there if you’re going.

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One other thing to look out for, whether in Annecy or not – the latest issue of Film Ireland magazine has an excellent focus on animation. You’ll find a great article by Anna Rodgers on the state of Irish animation right now, which includes plenty of my own views on where we are right now and what we need to focus on. There’s also a really good interview with fantastic Irish director, Tomm Moore. Tomm is a wonderful talent and this issue is well worth checking out for his insights.

I’ll leave you with just a little something from me in that animation article…