“Cartoon Movie 2025: 55 Mind-Blowing Animated Films You Can’t Afford to Miss!”
The European animation industry is gearing up for another spectacular year as Cartoon Movie, the prestigious co-production and pitching event, returns to Bordeaux from March 4-6, 2025. This year’s edition promises an eclectic mix of storytelling, artistic brilliance, and socially relevant themes, with 55 feature films from 16 countries taking center stage. From tales of heroic women to environmental consciousness and sweeping historical sagas, the 27th edition of this much-anticipated event is set to impress audiences and industry insiders alike.
A Diverse Lineup of Animated Excellence
Cartoon Movie 2025 will feature 33 titles in development, 16 in concept, three in production, and three completed films ready for their sneak-preview debut. France continues to dominate the lineup with 19 films, followed by Germany (6), Norway (5), Spain (4), and notable contributions from Belgium, Czechia, Ireland, and Latvia. Meanwhile, countries like Armenia, Denmark, Hungary, and Romania add to the festival’s international flavor with singular entries.
More than just a showcase of animated creativity, this year’s selection emphasizes inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. According to event director Annick Maes, approximately 25% of the selected films promote diversity and inclusion, while 26% focus on ecological and sustainable themes. Additionally, 31 projects feature a strong female lead, marking an encouraging shift toward gender representation in animation.
Anticipated Highlights from Acclaimed Filmmakers
Several renowned European animation directors are returning to Cartoon Movie with promising new projects. Among them, Vincent Paronnaud and Alexis Ducord, the duo behind Into the Wonderwoods, will present Treasure Island. Norwegian director Kajsa Næss (Titina, 2022) is set to unveil How to Deal with Shattering Geists, a deeply emotional and imaginative tale.
Award-winning Latvian director Signe Baumane (My Love Affair with Marriage) brings Karmic Knot, while Alain Ughetto (No Dogs or Italians Allowed) presents Rose and the Marmots, a charming historical piece. Meanwhile, German filmmaker Toby Genkel (The Amazing Maurice) introduces Skip, and Edmunds Jansons (Jacob, Mimmi and the Talking Dogs) showcases Born in the Jungle.
For those who appreciate literary adaptations, The Twilight World, based on a book by legendary German director Werner Herzog, is generating significant buzz.
Completed Films Ready for the Spotlight
The event will also offer an exclusive look at three fully completed animated films:
- Fleak, directed by Jens Møller, promises to deliver visually stunning animation.
- The Songbirds’ Secret, helmed by Antoine Lanciaux, is another must-watch.
- Tales from the Magic Garden, directed by a talented team including Jean-Claude Rozec, Patrik Pass, Leon Vidmar, and David Sukup, will transport audiences into a world of imaginative storytelling.
A Sneak Peek at Standout Projects
Some of the most exciting projects at Cartoon Movie 2025 include:
- Basia and a Doggy Summer – A heartwarming Polish film about a young girl’s seaside adventures with her clever canine companion, directed by Marcin Wasilewski.
- Condenaditos (Cursed Children) – A bold and autobiographical adult animation by Bolivian-born director Matisse Gonzalez.
- Lou and the Glacier’s Secret – A mystical Franco-Belgian-Swiss CG-animated film about a young goat’s magical journey.
- My Dad the Truck – A Spanish-French-Colombian tale of a young girl’s migration journey with her father and pet pig.
- Tales from the Magic Garden – A visually striking stop-motion anthology that explores the power of imagination.
The Future of European Animation
As Cartoon Movie continues to foster collaboration between European animators and producers, this year’s lineup underscores the industry’s commitment to innovation and storytelling excellence. Whether it’s through fantasy epics, socially conscious narratives, or deeply personal tales, the event proves that animation is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful medium for change and artistic expression.
So, if you’re an animation enthusiast, a film industry professional, or simply a lover of compelling stories, keep an eye on these upcoming films. They just might be the next big thing in European animation!
