The European animation industry has once again gathered to celebrate its achievements at Cartoon Movie (4-6 March), the biggest pitching and co-production event dedicated to animated films, which wraps up today in Bordeaux. Attributed through vote by more than 830 industry professionals from 40 different countries attending this 27th edition, the Tributes honour companies and individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched the sector over the last year.

The Producer of the Year award was jointly bestowed upon Dream Well Studio (Latvia), Sacrebleu Productions (France), and Take Five (Belgium) for their co-production work on Flow [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
interview : Gints Zilbalodis
interview : Tapis rouge @ European Fil…
fiche film], the latest feature by Gints Zilbalodis. The team made history by winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the most recent Academy Awards. Initially presented at Cartoon Movie in 2022, Flow premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was subsequently recognised at Annecy, the Golden Globes, and the European Film Awards, among others.

The Sales Agent of the Year accolade went to Kinology, the Paris-based world sales and co-production company. Its portfolio includes animated titles such as Argonuts [+lire aussi :
bande-annonce
fiche film] and Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds [+lire aussi :
critique
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fiche film], while upcoming projects like Pets on a Train, Ogresse, The Faun, and The X-Tras are set to strengthen its position in the market.

Next, Spain’s María Trénor was honoured as Director of the Year for Rock Bottom [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
fiche film]. Inspired by the life and music of British cult musician Robert Wyatt, her debut feature narrates the tumultuous love story of a young couple of artists caught in the creative whirlwind of the early 1970s counterculture movement.

In addition to the Tributes, the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award was presented to Zako, directed by Tigran Arakelyan and produced by OnOff Studio (Armenia) in collaboration with Sacrebleu Productions (France). “We are pleased to support a project that sheds light on a little-known chapter of European history by telling the true story of an Armenian war victim and artist. This powerful and emotional journey will be enhanced by the creative use of new technologies. Beyond celebrating emerging talent, the award also recognises the dedication of producers striving to develop the animation industry within their society,” reads the official jury statement.

The award ceremony took place at the Palais des Congrès during the lunch break. The gathering showcased 55 new animation projects from 16 countries over the last two days.

Here is the full list of this year’s award winners:

Producers of the Year
Dream Well Studio (Latvia), Sacrebleu Productions (France), Take Five (Belgium) – Flow [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
interview : Gints Zilbalodis
interview : Tapis rouge @ European Fil…
fiche film] 

Sales Agent of the Year
Kinology (France)

Director of the Year
María Trénor – Rock Bottom [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
fiche film] (Spain)

Eurimages Co-Production Development Award
Zako - OnOff Studio (Armenia), Sacrebleu Productions (France)