Renowned UK animator Joanna Quinn received the Honorary Cristal Award at the opening ceremony of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, using the moment to spotlight Gaza-based animator Haneen Koraz for her inspiring work.
Quinn, known for The Canterbury Tales and Affairs of the Art—both Oscar-nominated films—praised Koraz for leading animation workshops for children in Gaza, particularly those run by women. “One day, she’ll be stood here holding one of these,” Quinn said, gesturing to her Cristal trophy. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the kids could come here and watch their films?”
The tribute came amidst international condemnation of the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 54,000 deaths since October 7, 2023, and pushed the region toward humanitarian catastrophe.
Launching a Global Animation Project for Gaza
Speaking to Deadline, Quinn unveiled her new global initiative: “To Gaza, With Love: A Global Anijam”. The project invites animators worldwide to submit 10–30-second animated messages in support of the Palestinian people. These contributions will be compiled into an interactive online map and premiered via livestream in August. Quinn plans to showcase the work at animation festivals globally.
Remembering Gaza Artist Fatima Hassouna
The evening also paid homage to Fatima Hassouna, a Gaza-based artist and photojournalist who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Iranian-French filmmaker Sepideh Farsi, a jury member at the festival, documented Hassouna’s life in the film Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk, which screened in the ACID section at Cannes.
Celebrating a Legacy of Animation
Reflecting on her first visit to Annecy in 1987 with her short film Girls Night Out, Quinn humorously recalled, “I remember 1987 so well. My film was right at the end. I spent the whole festival looking at people having fun through misty windows, thinking—how do I get in? Anyway, I’m in now.”
She also credited her life partner, producer and writer Les Mills, for his collaborative support, saying, “Animation is a team effort.”
Quinn’s celebrated works include the BAFTA-winning Famous Fred (1997), Dreams and Desires: Family Ties, and Affairs of the Art, all of which feature her signature character, Welsh housewife Beryl.
A montage of scenes from Quinn’s career played before her award presentation, prompting her to quip, “Animation is so sad – that was my entire life and it only took, what? A minute? And it takes so long.”
A Diverse Opening Night at Annecy
This year’s Annecy Festival broke tradition by opening with five animated shorts rather than a single feature. Highlights included:
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The Girl Who Cried Pearls by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, completed just six days before its premiere.
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9 Million Colours by Bára Anna Stejskalová, exploring friendship between a shrimp and a blind fish.
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Star Wars: Visions – “Black” by Shinya Ohira, produced by Lucasfilm and David Production for Disney+.
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Carcassonne-Acapulco by Marjorie Caup and Olivier Héraud, a surreal story about a strange flight.
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Life with an Idiot by Theodore Ushev, based on stories by Soviet dissident Victor Erofeyev, offering a biting political allegory.
Ushev didn’t shy away from controversy, concluding his speech with, “If you admire an idiot, your risk of becoming one is very high,” before declaring, “Fk Putin, Fk Trump, and F**k Netanyahu,” to loud applause from the audience.
Looking Ahead at Annecy
The festival continues with previews from Marvel Animation’s Eyes of Wakanda, Sony Pictures Animation’s Goat, and the world premiere of Andy Serkis’ Animal Farm. Competition screenings will include Olivia And The Invisible Earthquake, Dandelion’s Odyssey, Arco, Little Amélie And The Character Of Rain, and The Magnificent Life.
