Highlights from the new EFM Animation Days (12 - 14 Feb, 2026)
The EFM Animation Days are a new industry platform within the European Film Market, strengthening the visibility of a sector in which Europe excels. The programme brings together producers, financiers, sales companies, broadcasters and distributors to explore international animation projects with strong market potential, build new business connections, and gain practical insights through talks, workshops and curated exchange formats.
With a focus on co-production, financing and creative collaboration, the first edition combines pitch and works-in-progress sessions, case studies and workshops, consultations, as well as targeted networking formats—creating a concentrated animation-focused programme within the EFM.
Programme Overview
Over the course of three days, the EFM Animation Days present a carefully curated selection of early-stage animation projects alongside industry events. The programme brings together regional showcases and international selections, reflecting a broad spectrum of creative approaches and production contexts.
Discover all animation-related events 2026 via the pre-filtered EFM Event Schedule.
Pitch Sessions & WiP
The programme features five curated pitch sessions and one works-in-progress session, presenting a wide range of animated projects—from commercial family entertainment to documentary and arthouse adult animation.
Thursday, Feb 12 | 3pm - Mirror Tent
Spotlight On: Canadian Animation
3 projects curated by Téléfilm Canada
Thursday, Feb 12 | 3.45pm - Mirror Tent
Spotlight On: Central Eastern European Animation
5 projects curated by CEE Animation
Friday, Feb 13 – Cinemobile
Spotlight On: International Animation
7 projects from 7 countries
9am
Spotlight On: German Animation
8 projects
2pm
Spotlight On: UK Animation
5 projects, curated by Animation UK
3.30pm
Friday, Feb 13 | 11am–12.30pm – Gropius Bau Cinema
Annecy Animation Showcase at EFM
5 projects curated by the Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Case Studies & Workshops
Saturday, Feb 14 | 11.30am–12.30pm – Producers Hub (Gropius Bau)
Building Global Animation: Lessons from a UK–Germany Co-production
A case study of The Amazing Maurice 2
Saturday, Feb 14 | 1.15–2.15pm – Producers Hub (Gropius Bau)
Riding the Waves of Real-Time Animation Production
A case study of The Last Whale Singer (a German–Canadian–Czech co-production)
Friday, Feb 13 | 3–4.30pm – Café Connect
Producing Animated Documentaries
Hosted by CEE Animation
Saturday, Feb 14 | 4–5pm – Library at DC
Fritzi’s Journey: Feature Animation to Emmy-Winning Animated Doc Series
A case study hosted by DOK Leipzig
Industry Formats & Networking
Beyond pitching, the Animation Days provide curated spaces to connect and exchange:
Friday, Feb 13 | 9.30–10.30am – Café Connect
DocSalon Opening Breakfast Circle
Co-hosted by FilmFernsehFonds Bayern
Saturday, Feb 14 | 10–11.30am – Event Hall
German Animation Studios: Pitching Excellence
Pitch presentations followed by a panel discussion focusing on collaboration
Followed by an informal meet & mingle at Café Connect
Saturday, Feb 14 | 12–1pm – Event Hall
How can Indie Animation Claim a Seat at the Table?
Animation Panel with Scott Roxborough
in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter
Friday - Monday, Feb 13-16 | daily 2 – 4pm - Café Connect
One-on-one consultations with animation professionals including Sean Clarke (Aardman), Ken Anderson (Red Kite Animation) and Chris Halliday (BFI, Head of Certification).
