Festival runs from February 3-8 2026 at L’Alliance New York
Now in its ninth year, Animation First Festival is the largest animation festival in the U.S.(and the only francophone animation festival). Running February 3-8, 2026, this year’s festival will focus on Belgian films, featuring both classic and new works from all manner of Belgian filmmakers. The fest is an opportunity for all curious moviegoers to discover bold and innovative films and enjoy opportunities to meet filmmakers, artists and other festival-goers throughout the festival’s many screenings, talks and parties.
The 2026 slate boasts an impressive roster of feature films, all of which are North American, US or NY premieres, and several unique shorts programs, along with a series of talks and special events. The Opening Night film is the U.S. Premiere Dandelion’s Odyssey by Momoko Seto, who will appear in person for a Q&A. Dandelion’s Odyssey premiered at the Critic’s Week at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it was awarded by Prix FIPRESCI. The film’s Sound Designer, Nicolas Becker, will also appear in person at the festival for a talk (along with Seto). Becker is renowned for his work, including the Sound Design for the recent Arco, as well as The Sound of Metal, for which he won the Oscar.
Other highlights include the Centerpiece Presentation, the NY Premiere of Tales from the Magic Garden (Les Contes du pommier) by David Súkup, Jean-Claude Rozec, Patrik Pašš, Leon Vidmar. This whimsical film is crafted with stunning puppetry and stop motion. The festival’s grand finale is the Closing Night film, Death Does Not Exist (La mort n’existe pas) by Félix Dufour-Laperrière, making its US Premiere.
And! If you want a jump on your Oscar pool, the ‘New Francophone Shorts’ program features three Oscar shortlisted shorts (Autokar, The Girl Who Cried Pearls, The Night Boots).
Check out the full festival slate here
