On 15 and 16 June 2016, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel visited the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market (MIFA) in southeastern France in his capacity as Minister of Communications and Media.
The event marks an annual meeting place for professionals from across the global animation industry with 8,250 participants from 83 countries, 364 international buyers, distributors and investors and 55 exhibitors.
Film Fund Luxembourg has been present at MIFA since 2000 with a promotional stand, which this year brought together 14 Luxembourg animation companies including producers, studios and services providers.
During the official visit of the MIFA, Xavier Bettel and Guy Daleiden, director of the Film Fund, had the opportunity to meet with the delegate Councillor of the town of Annecy, Michel Amoudry, the sub-prefect of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Isabelle Dorliat-Pouzet, as well as the deputy mayor and chairman of the Cité de l'image en mouvement, Citia, Dominique Puthod.
During his trip, the Minister also met with animation professionals, and students and teachers from the BTS Animation School Luxembourg (LAM), who were present for the third consecutive time with a BTS promotional stand in the market's "training institutes" area.
As part of the traditional "speed dating" meetings, the LAM students were given the opportunity to present their talents to Luxembourg professionals as a paths towards a possible work placement or recruitment. The Minister showed interest in this event, mingling with the young leaders to learn about their work. Xavier Bettel emphasised the importance of culture and creativity during these exchanges.
Two feature film projects were presented at the MIFA in the "work in progress" section: "White Fang" ("Croc-Blanc"), directed by Oscar winner Alexander Espigares; and "Funy Bugs" ("Drôles de petites bêtes"), directed by Antoon Krings and Arnaud Bouron - two co-productions by Bidibul Productions.
Eight animated feature films co-produced by Luxembourg companies are expected to hit the screens in 2017: White Fang (Croc Blanc) (Bidibul Productions); Funny litte bugs (Drôles de petites bêtes) (Bidibul Productions); Ethel & Ernest (Melusine Productions); The Breadwinner (Melusine Productions); Luis and his friends from outer space (Fabrique d’Images); Funan, the new people (Funan, le peuple nouveau) (Juliette Films); Pachamama (Doghouse Films); The prince of the city of sand (Le Prince de la Cité de Sable) (Iris Productions).
Photo by FIlm Fund/Nicole Jans (Xavier Bettel during "speed dating" event)
