‘Dandelion’s Odyssey’ by Momoko Seto will screen opening night, with the director in attendance for a Q&A; event runs this coming February 3-8 and will focus on Belgian films.
L’Alliance New York has announced the full program for the 9thAnimation First Festival.Created in 2018, Animation First will run February 3-8, 2026 and will focus on Belgian films featuring both classic and new works from all manner of Belgian filmmakers.
“With this year’s program we are delighted to once again spotlight animation at its best, as an art form that engages, delights and surprises,” said Delphine Selles-Alvarez, who co-curated along with colleague Chloe Dheu.“From paper cut-outs and clay puppets to hand-drawn and CG animation, this year’s filmmakers mine the potential of animation to tell stories of deep contemporary social and political resonance, as well as engage in lighter subjects of friendship, story-telling and epic adventures.Children and adults alike are in for unique discoveries at Animation First 2026.” The 2026 festival slate boasts a roster of feature film premieres as well as several shorts programs and a series of talks and special events.
The Opening Night film is by Momoko Seto, who will appear in person for a Q&A.The film’s sound designer Nicolas Becker will also attend for a talk.premiered at the Critic’s Week at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and was awarded by Prix FIPRESCI.
Other feature highlights include the festival’s Centerpiece Presentation, the NY Premiere of by David Súkup, Jean-Claude Rozec, Patrik Pašš, and Leon Vidmar.The film is a co-production of Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and France.This whimsical film is crafted with stunning puppetry and stop motion.
The festival’s grand finale is the Closing Night film, () by Félix Dufour-Laperrière, which will make its US Premiere.The film follows young activists who attempt an armed attack that fails, leading one to abandon her comrades.The festival also features many short film programs, notably the Best of Annecy 2025 and ‘The Magician of Ostend: The Films of Raoul Servais,’ one of Belgium’s most celebrated animation artists.
In addition, there are talks with high profile figures in the animation industry, notably Becker (, , ), who will discuss his journey from foley artist to sound designer.There will also be a conversation with the Oscar-nominated Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski for the co-founders of Montréal stop-motion studio Clyde Henry Productions.The festival also features many short film programs, notably the Best of Annecy 2025 and ‘The Magician of Ostend: The Films of Raoul Servais,’ one of Belgium’s most celebrated animation artists.
The full 2026 Animation First Festival slate is now available.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
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