festival

Although films could be entered in the festival in a number of categories, no distinction was made when they were shown in the cinema. Thus a children’s film could be shown alongside an avant-garde experimental production.

The British animation industry was well represented again this year by such diverse films as Channel Four’s SNOWMAN, Liz Spencer’s ‘Sredni Vashtar’ and Jonathan Hodgson’s ‘Nightclub’.

A Walt Disney character made an appearance in ONLY A KISS which satirises film makers who allow their fantasies to enter their work.

Nearly 250 films were shown during the festival. Animation and persuasion was its main theme. It also included programmes of British, American and experimental films.

The latest in British animation films were shown under three headings; British Contemporary films for children, British Contemporary Films and British Contemporary films: New Directions.

The programme of British Contemporary films opened with THE PARIS YEARS – IGOR CHEZ PLEYEL which was backed by Channel 4 and was one of their rather more experimental offerings.

Animator’s pencil drawing for SWIMSONG by Richard Taylor.

The Student Programmes gave a good idea of the up and coming talents in our colleges.

Chris Krupa begins a two part article with the background to the Festival.

Annecy has held fourteen festivals of animated films from small beginnings in the l960s to the important occasion it has now become.