Québec-Canada Land in Europe: A Space for Creation

2026 will celebrate an exciting new chapter in CARTOON's growing partnerships. The launch of the “Québec-Canada Land in Europe: A Space for Creation” Initiative during Cartoon Movie 2026 and Cartoon Forum 2026 will spotlight a renewed commitment to international co-production. A dedicated session will present an outstanding selection of projects, offering creators and industry professionals fresh opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful partnerships.

At a moment when Europe is navigating economic pressures and Québec-Canada is adapting to a shifting U.S. market, this initiative provides a powerful platform for cross-border cooperation. Together, we are opening new pathways for talent, expanding market potential, and shaping a vibrant future for animation.

Québec and Canadian animated films: world-renowned reputation

Although they arrived late to the scene, Québec and Canadian animated films now enjoy international recognition. Driven by pioneers such as Norman McLaren and Frédéric Back, the industry took off in the 1960s — several decades after the beginning of animation in the United States and Europe — thanks in large part to the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), a true pillar of animated creation. The NFB is the production company based outside the United States that has won the most Oscars, which attests to its influence.

For a long time, Canadian animation was mainly known for its short films. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that animated feature films took off, supported by public institutions such as SODEC and Telefilm Canada, two agencies that contribute to the development and funding of these films. Since then, the quality of Québec and Canadian productions has been recognized worldwide, with animated films regularly selected for major international festivals.

The richness of Québec and Canadian animation lies in its diversity of genres, styles and techniques. Montréal stands out in particular for its cutting-edge technologies, highly skilled workforce and renowned schools, making it a true hub for Canadian and international animation.

The enthusiastic response to Québec and Canadian animation by the international industry is evident by several recent film-festival successes. In 2025 alone, four Canadian feature films were selected for the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival: Death Does Not Exist (also selected for the Directors’ Fortnight at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival); Space Cadet (also selected for Generation Kplus at the Berlinale and the Toronto International Film Festival, both in 2025); Allah is Not Obliged (funded in part by Eurimages and also screened at the CINEMANIA Film Festival and the Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie); and Endless Cookie (also selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and DOK Leipzig).

Other successful Québec and Canadian films include When Adam Changes, Katak: the Brave Beluga, Felix and the Hidden Treasure, Snowtime!, Night of the Zoopocalypse, Eternal Spring and The Breadwinner. These films have been acquired in over 100 countries, demonstrating the storytelling and creative expertise of Québec and Canadian animation studios.

For the first time, Québec and Canada will present Québec and Canadian animated films at Cartoon Movie. This event provides a valuable opportunity to further strengthen existing ties with European countries, particularly through co-production, and to establish new synergies.

Immerse yourself in a creative universe where imagination knows no bounds. Enjoy the journey!