Cartoon Forum Spotlight: Standout Pitches; Exclusive First Looks; And Tribute Winners

Cartoon Forum wrapped its 2026 edition today after three packed days of pitches showcasing the next wave of European animated series.

In this special Cartoon Forum spotlight, we look back at the projects that impressed us most in Toulouse, from sentient hair and prehistoric slapstick to dark romantasy. We’re also sharing exclusive first looks at three very different projects: the sun-soaked comedy-adventure Emma Makes Waves, the clout-chasing road trip S(E)ummer Stories, and the post-apocalyptic action series Fantasy Riders. The Cartoon Saloon team also gave us a closer look at Mebh and the Wolf Pups.

Finally, we recap this year’s Cartoon Tributes, where Bobby Prod, the BBC, and Folivari International were among the winners, and examine the event’s new award recognizing environmentally responsible animation production.

Here’s our Cartoon Forum 2026 Spotlight.

1. 
   Sentient Hair, Prehistoric Slapstick, And Webtoon Romantasy: 10 Standout Cartoon Forum Pitches

   Projects from Claude Barras, Xilam, TeamTO, Sacrebleu, and other European studios made a strong impression during this year’s event in Toulouse.
2. 
   Bobby Prod, BBC, Folivari International Among 2026 Cartoon Tributes Winners

   Cartoon Forum attendees vote for the awards, which recognize companies working across European animation production, broadcasting, investment, and distribution.
3. 
   ‘Emma Makes Waves’ Splashes Down At Cartoon Forum, Unveils First Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)

   From the companies behind 'Mush-Mush' and 'Luce and the Rock' comes a new kids’ adventure about freedom, family, and fantastical aquatic guardians.
4. 
   ‘S(E)ummer Stories’ Turns A Social Media Clout-Chasing Vacation Into A Life-Changing Road Trip (EXCLUSIVE)

   The French 2D series follows three friends at pivotal moments in their lives, beginning with an unforgettable summer after their high school graduation.
5. 
   Panini’s ‘Fantasy Riders’ Getting Animated Adaptation, First Teaser Drops Ahead Of Cartoon Forum Pitch (EXCLUSIVE)

   Watch the first teaser for Hampa Studio’s 'Fantasy Riders,' an animated series based on Panini’s trading-card franchise and co-produced by RTVE.

6. 
   Cartoon Saloon Returns To The World Of ‘Wolfwalkers’ With ‘Mebh And The Wolf Pups’

   Cartoon Saloon’s first-ever spin-off turns ‘Wolfwalkers’ breakout Mebh into the star of a wild preschool adventure built around outdoor play.
7. 
   Webtoon Adaptations, Daring Originals, And Fantastic Worlds: 10 Cartoon Forum Projects To Watch

   New series from Cartoon Saloon, Xilam, Passion Pictures, TeamTO, and others will be pitched to buyers in Toulouse this week.
8. 
   Cartoon Forum Unveils 66 Animated Projects For Its 2026 Edition

   Cartoon Forum’s latest selection highlights international co-productions, bigger budgets, regional self-reliance, and a wave of European adult animation.
9. 
   Cartoon Forum Introduces Sustainability Prize As It Unveils 2026 Tribute Nominees

   Cartoon Saloon, the BBC, Mediawan Kids & Family, Mago Production, and Studio 100 are among the companies nominated for this year’s Cartoon Forum Tributes.