1.27.24
Hello, hello, and hello! I’ve seen this on YouTube but could never get the whole website…I finally got the information about this festival. The Animation First Festival from the French Institute Alliance Francaise. It started this week on Tuesday, January 23 and will conclude on tomorrow, Sunday, January 28. I want to share this with you guys, so that hopefully next year, for those who are interested can be ready.
Now you guys can see what this festival is and what is all about.
Credit source: Animation First Festival
Animation First 2024 Program
Festival Week
Tuesday, January 23–Sunday, January 28
In Person at FIAF
Student Short Films available online from January 29–February 12
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!
View the complete festival program below. Films in French with English subtitles unless otherwise noted. Talks in English.
Opening Night
OPENING NIGHT FEATURE FILM
Mars Express
NY Premiere
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
7pm
FIAF Florence Gould Hall
Recommended for Mature Audiences
Opening Night Party from 9–10:30pm
SOLD OUT
Please contact the Box Office to join the waitlist
Followed by a Q&A with Director Jérémie Périn
In the year 2200, private detective Aline Ruby and her android partner Carlos Rivera are hired by a wealthy businessman to track down a notorious hacker. Combining 2D and 3D animation, this stylish, smart, and futuristic sci-fi film noir is a cinematic adventure packed with humor and exhilarating action sequences.
Feature Films
FEATURE FILM
Nina and the Hedgehog’s Secret
Nina et le secret du hérisson
NY Premiere
Saturday, January 27, 2024
12pm
FIAF Florence Gould Hall
Ages 6+
10-year-old Nina has always filled her imagination with her father’s diverting hedgehog-themed stories—but reality comes crashing down when he loses his job. Fueled by rumors of a treasure hidden at the factory, Nina, her best friend Mehdi, and an enterprising hedgehog that bursts from her father’s illustrations organize a risky heist.
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FEATURE FILM
The Sacred Cave
La Grotte sacrée
US Premiere
Saturday, January 27
2:15pm
FIAF Florence Gould Hall
Ages 8+
In the heart of Africa’s equatorial forest, the king of Mabunos is poisoned by one of his subjects. Two close aids of the palace are tasked with traveling to a sacred cave in search of an antidote that will cure their ruler—and they only have seven days to succeed before he perishes. This vibrantly illustrated film from Cameroonian directors Daniel Minlo and Cyrille Masso is steeped in legend, lore, and sprawling scenescapes.
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FEATURE FILM
When Adam Changes
Adam change lentement
US Premiere
Saturday, January 27
6:45pm
FIAF Florence Gould Hall
Ages 15+
Followed by a Q&A with director Joël Vaudreuil
Set in 1990 Quebec, the film depicts the (literal) growing pains and general absurdity of adolescence. Through a darkly comedic narrative, Canadian director Joël Vaudreuil and French animator Nicolas Moussette incisively illustrate what happens when the biting and fantastical mix with trademark teenage angst.
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FEATURE FILM
Robot Dreams
Mon ami robot
Sunday, January 28
2pm
FIAF Florence Gould Hall
Ages 8+
This feature animation debut by Spanish director Pablo Berger adapts American author Sara Varon’s popular graphic novel for the big screen. The story, set in 1980s New York City, follows Dog, who—tired of being alone—builds himself a robot companion. Their friendship blossoms through a touching journey of companionship, its importance, and its fragility.
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CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE FILM
The Siren
La Sirène
US Premiere
Sunday, January 28
8:15pm
FIAF Florence Gould Hall
Ages 14+
Festival Closing Night Party and Award Ceremony from 6:30–8pm
From acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi and celebrated French animator Zaven Najjar comes a visceral odyssey of the descent into war through the eyes of an innocent. Set in 1980 Abadan in the chaotic wake of a devastating Iraqi missile strike, the film follows 14-year-old Omid, who’s braved the siege to stay with his ailing grandfather, as he survives and resists along with others who’ve remained in the ruined city.
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This is just a peek at what’s been happening at the festival. You can go to their website and learn more about the festival right here fiaf.org. Just one more post to go.
Featured Image: BNN Breaking
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