Fantoche 2026: the great animation festival in Switzerland
The Fantoche festival returns to Switzerland in September 2026, establishing itself as the most important event in the country for the world of animation. This gathering brings together professionals, emerging artists, and enthusiasts in a packed program that combines screenings, learning, and opportunities to connect. 🎬
A diverse program for all levels
The organizers design an agenda that showcases a carefully selected international lineup of works. Attendees can watch short films and feature films both in competition and out of competition. The event also includes talks where experts analyze trends and break down technical processes. Practical workshops allow participants to learn methods and use specialized software hands-on.
Main festival activities:- Competitive screenings and parallel showcases of international animation.
- Technical conferences on the latest trends, including AI animation.
- Interactive workshops to learn techniques and handle software tools.
"Maybe you should consider renting time on a render farm, or start with something shorter, like a three-second loop." - Response from an instructor to a novice animator.
An essential hub for the industry
Beyond the screenings, Fantoche serves as a fundamental meeting point. Animation studios and independent artists take advantage to showcase their projects and seek collaborations. A dedicated exhibition area allows companies to display tools, software, and specialized services. This environment is designed for professionals to expand their network and explore new job opportunities.
Networking benefits at Fantoche:- Present projects to potential studios and producers.
- Discover new tools and services in the exhibition area.
- Establish direct contacts for future collaborations or employment.
Techniques and practical realities
The festival presents works spanning a wide spectrum, from traditional techniques (stop-motion, hand-drawn) to advanced digital animation and experiments with artificial intelligence. This comprehensive overview does not overlook technical reality, as illustrated by the anecdote of the animator asking about rendering a short on their laptop, reminding us of the importance of planning resources and, at times, resorting to render farms for ambitious projects. 💻