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The Annecy Festival opened its doors this Sunday. Despite uncertain weather, the mood was cheerful, and festival-goers rushed to pick up their badges.
We took advantage of this first day to discover commissioned films, including a project using generative AI that sparked a strong reaction from the audience, a masterclass by Terry Gilliam, and finally the opening night with Michel Hazanavicius’s first animated feature, The Most Precious of Cargoes .
Generative AI: A Resounding Rejection by the Audience at Annecy
Starting with the Commissioned Films in Competition, we saw an eclectic and high-quality selection: animations for NGOs, music videos, festival trailers, and advertisements.
Every animated project was applauded (some more than others, of course). All except one: the music video for Etoile Filante by Chien Méchant, directed by Kelzang Ravach, produced by Temple Caché / Mélusine Caillau.
At the end of this clip’s screening, there was a smattering of applause, maybe one or two claps. Silence from a large part of the audience, while some spectators started booing the clip.
The reason for this rejection: the clip relies on generative AI. The audience clearly and strongly rejected this choice. This strong reaction followed the Festival’s explanations about the decision to include generative AI in its selection.
We will revisit this topic: a conference on generative AI is scheduled for mid-week.
Terry Gilliam Masterclass
Next was a cinema lesson with Terry Gilliam, who reflected on his entire career and received an Honorary Crystal. Gilliam discussed cut-out animation, chosen due to time and budget constraints, and joked about his age and health (“Finally they let me in [dans le programme du Festival], I think they know I might not be here next year”).
The Most Precious of Cargoes
Finally, Michel Hazanavicius’ The Most Precious of Cargoes was screened at the Festival’s opening ceremony.
The film addresses the Holocaust through the adaptation of a tale about a woodcutter and his wife, whose lives are changed by the arrival of a child thrown from one of the many trains passing through their forest.
An emotional and poignant film, marked by meticulous animation and powerful music.
We will continue our coverage of the Festival and MIFA in the coming days. Follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube to not miss any of our content published during and after the annual world animation event.
