Animation First Festival 2024

FIAF is thrilled to celebrate the seventh edition of its popular Animation First Festival, which has expanded this year from a three-day to a six-day festival due to increased popularity, running from Tuesday, January 23 through Sunday, January 28. Animation First is the only festival in the U.S. dedicated to showcasing the enduring legacy and trailblazing innovation of French and Francophone animation.

This year, the festival presents seven feature-length films (including three U.S. and three New York premieres), six short film programs, filmmaker talks, a first look presentation, virtual reality experiences, its annual Student Short Film Competition, and more. New for 2024 will be the premiere of an inaugural limited-edition Animation First series poster illustrated by artist Peter de Sève (available for sale at Posteritati and during the festival), an Animation Speak/Easy night, a juried competition of the new Francophone shorts programs, and a special focus on animated cinema from Quebec. With films for adults, teens, and kids, the festival is crafted to engage and entertain guests of various ages!

As part of the VR section, Villa Albertine is excited to copresent with FIAF and French in Motion a panel discussion on immersive storytelling.

“Want to step into the future? And explore the cutting-edge intersections reshaping artistic creation, narratives, and technology? Join us for a captivating conversation panel “Confluence of creativity” featuring Eric Shiner (President of Powerhouse Arts), Jazia Hammoudi (Director of Program at Onassis ONX), Riki Kim (Executive Creative Director at Artechouse) and our moderator, James Pallot (Executive Producer at Sensorium).“

View the complete festival program. Films are in French with English subtitles unless otherwise noted, and talks in English.