The European animation industry has once again gathered to celebrate its achievements at Cartoon Movie (3-5 March), the biggest pitching and co-production event dedicated to animated films, which wrapped yesterday in Bordeaux. Decided on through votes cast by the industry professionals attending the 28th edition, the Cartoon Tributes honour companies and individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched the sector over the last year.

The Producer of the Year Award went to Special Touch Studios (France), Paul Thiltges Distributions (Luxembourg), Lunanime and Need Productions (Belgium), and Yzanakio (Canada) for their co-production work on Allah Is Not Obliged [+leggi anche:
recensione
trailer
scheda film], the feature debut by Zaven Najjar. Adapted from Ahmadou Kourouma’s celebrated novel, the animated film follows a Guinean orphan forced to become a child soldier amid the conflicts of West Africa. The project was first presented in development at Cartoon Movie in 2018, later had its world premiere at Annecy and opened in French cinemas on 4 March.

The Distributor of the Year accolade went to Paris-based Les Films du Préau, an independent distribution company specialising in quality films for young audiences. Founded in 2000 by Emmanuelle Chevalier and Marie-Agnès Bourillon, the company has built up a catalogue of more than 200 titles, including Living Large [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Kristina Dufková
scheda film], The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child [+leggi anche:
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scheda film] and Petite Casbah, consolidating its reputation as one of France’s key distributors in the children’s and family segment.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Year honour was bestowed upon Reza Memari for The Last Whale Singer, his second feature, following Richard the Stork [+leggi anche:
trailer
scheda film] (see the interview). Targeting family audiences, the animated fantasy flick follows Vincent, the orphaned son of the last Whale Singer, who must overcome his fears and discover his own voice in order to help save the oceans. The project has maintained a long-standing connection with Cartoon Movie, having been presented at different stages – from concept in 2018 to development in 2020 and production in 2025 – and was staged as a co-production between Germany, the Czech Republic and Canada. The pic has already been sold in over 30 territories.

In addition to the Tributes, the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award was presented to Acorn’s Adventure, directed by Filip Mašek and produced by Pure Shore (Czech Republic) in co-production with Fabian&Fred (Germany). According to the jury, the project stood out for the originality of its storytelling, inspired by the director’s experience working with children and their curiosity about the natural world. The jury also praised the project’s joyful humour, its imaginative tone and its innovative animation technique, which brings handcrafted characters to life on screen.

The awards ceremony took place at the Palais des Congrès, during the lunch break. Over the past few days, Cartoon Movie has showcased dozens of new animation projects from across Europe and beyond, reaffirming its role as a key platform for the development and financing of animated features.

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

Producers of the Year
Special Touch Studios (France), Paul Thiltges Distributions (Luxembourg), Lunanime, Need Productions (Belgium), Yzanakio (Canada) – Allah Is Not Obliged [+leggi anche:
recensione
trailer
scheda film]

Distributor of the Year
Les Films du Préau (France)

Director of the Year
Reza Memari – The Last Whale Singer (Germany/Czech Republic/Canada)

Eurimages Co-Production Development Award
Acorn’s Adventure – Pure Shore (Czech Republic), Fabian&Fred (Germany)
Director: Filip Mašek