Cartoon Movie 2026 Projects Reveal Shifting Audiences And Creative Priorities In European Animation

From a record-breaking 150 submissions, Cartoon Movie 2026 has unveiled a selection of 50 animated feature projects from 21 countries that will participate in next year’s Bordeaux-based event, which will run March 3-5.

Cartoon Movie has long stood as one of the most influential co-production and pitching forums for European animation. Each year, the event reflects both the diversity and vitality of the sector, with strong representation from Central and Eastern Europe, the Nordic countries, and a particularly robust showing from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, which accounts for eight projects across production, co-production, writing, and directing.

Next year’s slate showcases the capabilities of European studios of all sizes and the tremendous talent working across the continent, from emerging voices to established players. Projects in all stages of development, from early concepts to films nearing completion, have been selected to show off what they’ve got cooking. Titles that make use of AI are admitted, but the ways in which the technology is used must be disclosed as part of their pitch.

The 2026 lineup also reveals clear editorial and industrial trends shaping today’s animated feature landscape. Cartoon Movie has long been one of the best prognosticators of where the industry is heading.

Many of the selected projects focus on stories drawn from everyday life, with 38% actively championing diversity and inclusion as a core narrative driver. Female talent is increasingly prominent: 37% of the projects are directed by at least one woman, 52% are led by a female producer, and nearly half feature a female main character.

Titles aimed at young adult and adult audiences continue to grow in popularity and number, now representing 38% of the selection, up from 30% in the previous edition. Children and family films remain the industry’s main driver, however, accounting for 58% of projects.

Notably, the selection also includes projects whose creators previously made a splash at Cartoon Springboard in Madrid, a pitching event for early-stage projects. The linear progression from one Cartoon-backed event to the next is another ringing endorsement for a pipeline that plays a crucial role in the lifecycle of European animated projects.

Founded in 1999, Cartoon Movie has built its reputation on a highly efficient, distinctly human-centered format that fosters cooperation among producers, investors, distributors, and sales agents from across Europe.

Projects can be presented at four different stages — concept, development, production, or sneak preview — allowing the industry ecosystem to engage early in a film’s journey and increasing the likelihood of a successful release.

Pitching sessions, supported by trailer showcases such as the “Croissant Show” and “Coffee Show,” are key components of the three-day event, while curated networking get-togethers foster business without pressure.

To date, more than 453 films pitched at Cartoon Movie have secured financing and reached audiences worldwide, making the 2026 edition not just a showcase of projects, but a clear indicator of where European animated features are headed next.

This year’s 50-title program can be seen in full here. We’ll take a much closer look as the event draws nearer and spotlight some of the titles we’re most looking forward to learning more about.