The Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026 will take place on 21-27 June.
The prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival of 2026 is taking place from 21-27 June in Annecy, France. Ahead of the event, the Japanese anime series which will be pitched at Mifa for the Global Anime Challenge have been revealed. The Mifa pitches act as an important launching pad for creators who want to showcase a small part of their work to the audience and get the support and nurture they need to turn them into full fledged projects. This year, the Global Anime Challenge: Original IP Projects are looking very promising.
What are the new contenders for Global Anime Challenge: Original IP Projects at Mifa this year?
The official Annecy Festival website describes this challenge as:
“Meet Japan's top emerging creators selected for the Global Anime Challenge, a national initiative shaping the next generation of anime talent.
Eleven participants take the stage with projects developed through the Global Anime Challenge. Since selection in 2024, they have refined their original IPs and completed international internships in early 2026 — this is their culmination. Presenting in English, they seek collaboration, partnerships and co-production.
Global Anime Challenge is a three-year program supported by the Japan Creator Support Fund, nurturing the next generation of anime directors, producers and animators.”
The anime projects that are being pitched in this category are:
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Creator: Mana Kudo
Duration: 2 minutes
Synopsis:
A series about the daily lives of a robot girl who ran away from human society and an alien girl who escaped from a research lab.
Kaku - calligraphy -
Creator: Kaoru Tanimoto
Duration: 5 minutes
Synopsis:
With Kaku, I want to clearly and visually convey there exists a world of fairies that is linked to human emotions. First, I would like to create a short film of about 5 minutes, then expand to a TV series.
Mahora
Creator: Ayumi Moriyama
Duration: 50 minutes
Synopsis:
A yokai (monster) comes back to life in modern Japan for revenge. However, modern life is full of internet and fun! Two high schoolers meet and name the yokai "Tama" and stream the cute creature who then becomes famous. But fame is short-lived. Enjoy the comical friendship between Tama and modern kids.
Phantom of the Cadillac
Creator: Keisuke Shinohara
Duration: 20 minutes
Synopsis:
The eldest sister, killed in an accident, returns as a ghost haunting her beloved pink classic car. While the second sister is delighted by this strange phenomenon, the third is left perplexed. How will the three sisters move forward?
Mouse Undertaker
Creator: Yuki Ito
Duration: 10 minutes
Synopsis:
Based on ideas inspired by my internship in France.
Kawaii Lore: Moko & Pyle
Creator: Keiichiro Sato
Duration: 30 minutes
Synopsis:
A deity wishing to fill the world with "kawaii" is reborn as Moko, a living stuffed toy hiding his true self. When he meets Pyle, a worn-out plush toy, an unlikely friendship begins. This film explores the true meaning of "kawaii" and what it means to be true to yourself.
YU-REI-Chan!
Creator: Yusuke Yamamoto
Duration: 3 minutes
Synopsis:
Have a glimpse of daily life of a ghost in Tokyo with Yu-Rei-Chan! The series will make you laugh, but at the same time, you'll wish you had a friend like her!
OROCHI -Seventh Echoes-
Director: Takashi Nakamura
Production: Makoto Kimura
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Synopsis:
Born with the forbidden power known as Hizumi, Prince Agni is abandoned at birth. When Orochi, a spirit of vengeance born from a thousand-year-old betrayal, awakens, the world faces destruction. Agni must confront his destiny to break the cycle of hatred.
The Ouroboros of Stars and Memory
Creator: Ryosuke Nakamura
Duration: 30 minutes
Synopsis:
As children, Rion and Roland created an imaginary world called Dragon's Game. Years after Roland's disappearance, Rion resumes the unfinished project, only to be pulled into its world. Hunted as a "bug", she discovers her lost friend has become the Dragon Slayer, the world's greatest threat.
NINJA SKOOLER
Creator: Shunsuke Takarai
Duration: 30 minutes
Synopsis:
In a city divided by class and a massive wall, trainee ninja Kamari befriends Rappa, a free-spirited boy from Lower Town. As buried truths and corruption surface, the two children challenge the system that governs their world.
The short anime films and clips will be showcased on 23 June, 2026. Hiromi Hasegawa is the moderator of the event. Speakers include: Mana Kudo, Kaoru Tanimoto, Ayumi Moriyama, Kaushi Koide, SHIKO, Keisuke Shinohara, Yuki Ito, Takafumi Nakame, Keiichiro Saito, Yusuke Yamamoto, and Makoto Kimura.