The MIFA pitching sessions at the ever-expanding Annecy festival have become a cornerstone event. This year, out of 320 project applicants, 11 were handpicked to present their short film proposals to an eager audience of industry professionals and animation lovers. Among these showcased projects, ‘Lost and Found’, a UK collaboration with Germany and Taiwan, excited particular anticipation.

In the midst of a surprising rainstorm, the two-hour pitching marathon took place. After thoughtful deliberation, we’ve selected our top three favorite projects based on their creativity, impact, and unique storylines…

‘Dollhouse Elephant’: A Burst of Color and Quirky Neighborly Tales

Director: Jenny Jokela | Production House: BÖHLE STUDIOS
Finland | 10 minutes | Target Audience: Teens to Adults

‘Dollhouse Elephant’ was a project that immediately turned heads with its vibrant and distinct acrylic paint-textured presentation. Director Jenny Jokela captivated the audience with her concept and incredible storytelling, introducing them to a world of quirky characters bound by neighborliness. Intended as a comedic short film, it emphasizes the importance of consideration and communication in relationships. Moreover, while commenting on the pervasive issue of isolation in modern society, it also humorously portrays everyday human behaviors and quirks.

The visual design, which is expected to reflect Jokela’s energetic style from her previous films (Sweet Like Lemons (2023), Live a Little (2018)), will employ traditional hand-painted acrylic paint. The project, with a predicted budget of €120k, is currently in production and eyeing a festival debut in 2025.

‘Joy’: A Raw Exploration of Postpartum Depression and Alienation

Director: Agata Wieczorek | Producer: FUTUR ANTÉRIEUR PRODUCTION
France, Poland | 15 minutes | Target audience: Adults

‘Joy’ is a notable short film proposal that I first encountered at the Animarkt Stop Motion Forum in 2023. It addresses deeply emotional subjects like postpartum depression and the daughter’s resulting sense of alienation after the birth of a new sibling. Wieczorek’s storytelling earned a stunned response from the audience, especially with her riveting conclusion.

Her proposed animation technique – stop motion combined with life-sized silicone dolls – adds another layer of intrigue. She states, “Animating these artifacts into life-like characters produces uncanny imagery that evokes an uncertainty whether we are watching pixel animation or stop-motion.”

‘Lost and Found’: A Modern Queer Tale

Director: Cheng-Hsu Chung | Producer: TEMPLE CARRINGTON & BROWN
Germany, United Kingdom, Taiwan | 17 minutes | Target Audience: Young Adults to Adults

Our final pick, ‘Lost and Found,’ portrays an unconventional love story, which attracted the audience’s attention with a spectacular presentation filled with surreal imagery. The film, brimming with vibrant and detailed visuals, explores modern queer culture and emotional dynamics.

The storyline presents a dark comedy set around a gay man’s obsessive affection for a mystical egg. After his partner discards the egg, he embarks on an egg hunt across the bustling city. The film intends to challenge societal norms surrounding love and relationships, positing a thought-provoking exploration of human experience.

The film is still in the pre-production phase, with finalized concept, script, and characters. With a budget of €180k, the production team is actively seeking production partners and funding opportunities.