The UK Pavilion was brought to life by Animation UK and supported by the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, the Department for Business and Trade, Film London, Creative Wales and Northern Ireland Screen.
Animation UK returned to Annecy, France, from 10-13 June to host the UK Pavilion, “Animation UK: Welcome to Our Worlds”. The stand was organised by Animation UK and supported by the British Film Institute (BFI), with National Lottery funding, the British Film Commission (BFC), Department for Business and Trade, Film London, Creative Wales, and Northern Ireland Screen.
In the heart of MIFA at Stand D.15, the UK Pavilion proved to be a key hub for delegates, where creators, buyers, commissioners, funders and more, gathered to connect and discover the latest projects and news in our sector. The UK Pavilion proved its popularity and value, hosting 225 scheduled meetings and countless impromptu walk-ins. Animation companies were welcomed with the stand’s eye-catching panels that featured some of the sector’s achievements over the past year, including Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Reflecting our broad geographical base, representatives from Wales and London attended to highlight their regions and local incentives. The BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF) and Certification Unit were also present to answer questions from delegates about the UKGSF’s three open access funding strands and how to qualify animation as British in order to access the UK’s Audio-Visual Expenditure Credits. Accountancy firm Saffrey also attended and gave the latest updates on the UK’s tax credit system for animation and offered expert insights into all things finance, tax and structuring, including co-production for animation projects.
Animated features were a special focus at this year’s pavilion and we were delighted to host an exclusive lunchtime event with the BFC. Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK, introduced the session, followed by a discussion with CEO of the BFC, Adrian Wootton OBE, and CEO of Cantilever Media/Kazoo Films, Andrew Baker, who chatted about the animation tax credits and highlighted its benefits, looking at The Amazing Maurice as a case study in front of a packed pavilion. This past year has seen the positive impact of the government’s new initiatives to bolster high-end TV and film production and this sentiment was echoed and emphasised during the event.
We now have some of the most competitive tax-relief systems in the world, which are brilliantly administered by the BFI. It’s the icing on the cake for the UK animation sector, which is one of the most diverse and dynamic in the world. The UK is now [seen as] a smart investment and a brilliant partner for co-production.
Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK
To strengthen strategic partnerships on behalf of Animation UK, during the week, Kate held meetings with representatives from a range of other countries and organisations. These included: Women In Animation, Ireland, Animation In Europe and many more.
A total of thirteen UK productions were shortlisted at this year’s Annecy Festival, including works by members: Cardboard by Locksmith Animation, Big Lizard by Beakus and Tiddler by Magic Light Pictures. See the full list of this year’s winners here, and the list of the shortlisted UK projects in our 2025 brochure here.
On the Thursday, Animation UK hosted our own reception at the stand, where more than 110 UK delegates registered, with many more MIFA attendees turning up. With the drinks and conversations flowing, the evening saw both new and familiar faces, united in celebrating the UK animation sector on our sunny terrace.
Animation UK member Blue Zoo also hosted a reception at the pavilion to celebrate the studio’s 20th anniversary. Outside the stand, the week was packed with events from other UK studios and companies, including receptions hosted by Magic Light Pictures, Netflix, DNEG Animation, Festivus, Animation Scotland, Locksmith Animation and Passion Pictures.
The week-long event highlighted the UK’s world-class creativity, technological excellence, and diverse and unique storytelling, and spotlighted the strength of our sector, as well as marking the UK as a global destination for animation.
We would like to thank all of our partners and members for their support, and also extend our thanks to the MIFA team and our fellow delegates for such a wonderful week. We look forward to seeing you all again from 14-20 June 2026!
