Annecy announce Wes Anderson as special guest
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival have announced that this year’s special guest will be celebrated filmmaker Wes Anderson. Presently working on his newest upcoming feature The Phoenician Scheme, Anderson’s distinct approach to filmmaking (through such acclaimed works as The Royal Tenenbaums, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited and The French Dispatch) has earned him high critical praise and multiple Academy Awards for writing and directing.
Wes Anderson (Photo: Ernesto Ruscio, image provided by Annecy International Animation Film Festival)
Within the world of animation, Anderson is notable for the use of stop-motion sequences in films such as Asteroid City and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. His first fully-animated feature Fantastic Mr. Fox, adapted from the classic Roald Dahl book, was released in 2009 to acclaim, followed by the 2018 release of his second stop-mo feature Isle of Dogs. Both films were met with critical acclaim and garnered multiple Oscar, BAFTA and Annie Award nominations, with Annie wins for Writing and Voice Acting respectively. Both features are set to be screened during the Annecy festival.
Also announced is an exclusive masterclass held be Anderson that festivalgoers will have the opportunity to attend, in which “he will discuss his approach to animation film, especially stop-motion animation, and his directorial vision”.
Over the last decade, Wes Anderson has had an incredible influence on the revival of stop-motion animation. His intricate, theatrical style and his sophisticated, holistic approach to directing have set an example and inspired a score of young filmmakers. His visit to Annecy will mark a long love story and admiration for his work. For us, this is an immense gift to offer our festivalgoers!
-Marcel Jean (Artistic Director, Annecy International Animation Film Festival)
This year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival will be held on June 9th-5th June 2024. For more information visit annecyfestival.com