At Cartoon Forum 2026, CARTOON highlights a major step forward in international co-production through the “Québec-Canada Land in Europe: A Space for Creation” initiative. This dedicated spotlight session will bring a carefully curated selection of Québec-Canada projects to the forefront, offering a unique platform for visibility, exchange, and co-production opportunities within the European animation industry.
The session at Cartoon Forum is designed to connect creators, producers, broadcasters, and industry decision-makers in a focused setting that encourages meaningful dialogue and long-term partnerships. By showcasing the diversity and strength of Québec-Canada animation, it opens new pathways for collaboration and shared development across markets.
Québec and Canadian animation series: Creativity with international reach!
Québec and Canada have a rich history in the field of animation, where they enjoy worldwide recognition. This reflects the animated film legacy of visionary creators and flagship institutions that fostered these series and shaped the animation industry.
In the 1940s, Québec and Canadian animated shorts earned international acclaim, many of them produced by the National Film Board (NFB). In those days, public broadcasters were also key to the proliferation of animation. Later, in the 1980s and 90s, the advent of specialty channels aimed at young audiences re-spurred the production of series for children and teens. It was then that homegrown animation series really took off
For decades, Québec and Canada stood out with youth productions that became emblematic around the world. Series like Babar, Caillou, Arthur, Franklin and Friends and ReBoot marked generations of viewers. More recent creations such as Toopy and Binoo, SuperKlaus (in coproduction with Spain), Snowsnaps, Super Agent Jon le Bon!, Dounia, The Bizarre Stories of Professor Zarbi, The Bravest Knight, Paw Patrol and The Spudragons testify to the diversity of content produced in Québec and Canada. Some of these productions have been developed in multiple formats – movies, books, shows – thus expanding their audiences and markets.
This success is further confirmed by international partnerships and sales in dozens of territories. Series like Cracké, Total Drama Island, 6teen and Bakugan have achieved global reach, demonstrating how Québec and Canadian animation captivates with humour, endearing characters and inventive worlds.
Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver have become animated series hubs thanks to a wealth of talent, renowned schools and advanced technologies. These assets enable studios to meet global demand, whether as producers of original series or as collaborators on foreign works.
Furthermore, Québec and Canadian expertise have contributed to the international success of mega productions such as SpongeBob and Love, Death & Robots.
Organizations like the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Telefilm Canada actively invest in the development and promotion of animation in Québec and Canada. Studios continue to innovate as they explore new formats, work in coproduction and integrate digital platforms, paving the way for fruitful collaborations with Europe and other territories.
Québec and Canada are proud to present their series at Cartoon Forum for the first time. Blending heritage, creativity and innovation, our animation series have what it takes to appeal to audiences everywhere.
In collaboration with
The six projects selected for the Cartoon Forum 2026
Six projects have been recognised through selection and funding by Canada’s leading screen industry organisations. Three projects were selected by SODEC: Algorythm (supported by the Canada Media Fund), El Kapoutchi, The King of Villains (supported by SODEC), and "Miss Tzatziki’s Classroom Mysteries" (supported by both SODEC and the Canada Media Fund). In addition, Alien Book Club, The Froggy Family, and Semanka, supported by the Canada Media Fund, were selected by Telefilm Canada in collaboration with the Canada Media Fund.