Guillermo del Toro, guest star of an edition that puts Mexico in the spotlight

Annecy, world capital of animated film. Over the years, the city of Haute-Savoie has established itself in the cinematographic landscape thanks to its Festival. The famous director Guillermo del Toro is the guest of honor at this 63rd edition, which gives pride of place to Mexico. His last movie, Pinocchiowhich this year received the Oscar for best animated film, was screened during an outdoor session.

A projection in front of a captivated audience. A beautiful evening that the city of Annecy needed after the tragedy of the knife attack of June 8th. A few hours earlier, Guillermo del Toro gave a master class and shared his love of cinema with the public and many students who came to listen to his valuable advice. The famous and twice Oscar-winning director spoke about his vision of cinema and his passion for animation, especially in the technique of stop motion, frame by frame. “I think we have to make things with our hands, to restore the human soul” he explains. “I hate perfection, I like everything that is artisanal”.

heart and passion

Mexican animated cinema is in the spotlight of this edition, with several films in competition. And another big name is among the jury: Jorge R. Guttierez, director of The legend of Manolo, nominated in 2015 at the Golden Globes for best animated film. Currently, his series Maya, warrior princess, is a great success on Netflix. Complete artist and sponsor of the event this year, he also created the festival poster.

Proud to represent his country in Annecy, he also shares with the public his vision of the profession and what makes Mexican artists unique. “The Mexican touch is first of all the heart, the heart and the passion. Mexicans are passionate people and I think having the USA as neighbors makes us even more proud and protective of our culture. Because if we are not vigilant, American culture will crush us”.

Screenings, competition, entertainment, the festival continues until Saturday, June 17 with many more appointments on the program.