Hunimation Pitch Forum Returns to Support Hungarian Animation Projects
Budapest – The Hunimation – Hungarian Animation Pitch Forum will once again provide a platform for domestic animation projects seeking international exposure, culminating in a selection of finalists to present at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival’s MIFA Partner Pitch program. The forum, a joint initiative of the Hungarian Animation Producers Association (MAPSZ) and the Friss Hús Budapest International Short Film Festival, with support from the National Film Institute Hungary (NFI), will hold its final pitches on Friday at Toldi Cinema, followed by an industry masterclass.
This year’s forum builds on the momentum generated by Hungary’s role as the Guest of Honor at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, an event that organizers say fostered significant professional opportunities for Hungarian animators. The primary aim of Hunimation is to connect selected projects with the MIFA Partner Pitch, a key event within the larger Annecy festival, considered one of the world’s most prestigious animation industry gatherings.
Twelve projects have been shortlisted for the Budapest final, with approximately five expected to be chosen to represent Hungary at Annecy. A jury comprised of industry professionals will make the final selections on Friday. The jury includes Luce Grosjean, head of Paris-based MIYU Distribution; Dániel Deák, founder and director of Friss Hús; Éva Konrád, an animation producer; Anna Ida Orosz, a researcher at the NFI; and animation director Áron Gauder.
The selected projects represent a diverse range of animation styles and formats, encompassing short films, series, feature-length works, documentary animation, and immersive experiences. Finalists include projects spearheaded by Gergő Arany, Fábián Balogh, Réka Bucsi, Nikolett Fábián, Júlia Farkas, Eszter Kajlik, Csaba Klement, Anna Katalin Lovrity, Eszter Molnár, Adél Szegedi, Balázs Turai, and Zsófia Zelles-Görgey.
Réka Temple, president of MAPSZ, emphasized the increasing international competitiveness of Hungarian animation projects. “Recent successes demonstrate that Hungarian projects are competitive internationally,” she stated, adding that the organization is focused on facilitating access to key industry forums and fostering professional connections for its members.
Dániel Deák, of Friss Hús, highlighted the festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent. “One of the main goals of the Friss Hús festival is to provide opportunities for emerging talent and support their careers over the long term,” he said. He also noted that the quality and originality of the submissions underscore the growing strength of the Hungarian animation sector.
This year’s forum will also feature a masterclass led by Luce Grosjean, head of MIYU Distribution. MIYU Distribution has been involved in the distribution of several critically acclaimed animated films, including the 2024 Cannes Palme d’Or-winning short film, 27, directed by Flóra Anna Buda. The masterclass, scheduled for March 27 at Magvető Café, will focus on co-production opportunities, financing strategies, and navigating the festival and distribution landscape for animation projects.