The My First Festival 2025 Jury
Festival
Tribute to Folimage: the art of animating with heart and humour
In its 18th edition, My First Film Festival pays tribute to Folimage, the renowned French studio founded in 1981 by Jacques-Rémy Girerd, a cornerstone in the history of European animation. For over forty years, Folimage has embodied creativity, craftsmanship and a deeply human approach to storytelling through images.
With beloved titles such as A Cat in Paris (Oscar nominee 2012) and Vanille (Annecy Cristal 2021), along with honours like the European Producer of the Year Award, the studio has shaped the pulse of contemporary animation. Its films are defined by poetic imagery, gentle humour and an unmistakable artistic identity.
This tribute unfolds on the big screen through three programmes that invite audiences to explore the essence of Folimage’s cinema: emotion, imagination and the joy of movement.
Pearls of French Animation
Running time: 63 minutes
A selection of eight short films that reflect Folimage’s unique blend of wit, warmth and narrative precision. From the inventive Kiko and the Animals to the feline frenzy of A Hellish Plan, each film reveals the studio’s ability to turn small stories into moments of wonder.
Stories in a Major Key
Running time: 58 minutes
A musical journey across six short films where sound and image intertwine in harmony. From the sonic playfulness of Lola and the Puzzle Piano to friendships born through melody, the programme celebrates rhythm, emotion and the music of everyday life.
Winter Adventures: Snow & Operation Santa Claus
Running time: 54 minutes
A double feature that captures the tenderness and charm of Folimage’s world. Snow is a cut-out gem brimming with delicacy and imagination, while Operation Santa Claus is a festive adventure filled with humour and magic. Together they reveal the studio’s talent for blending craftsmanship and emotion.
With this tribute, My First Film Festival honours one of Europe’s most influential animation studios — a beacon of artistic freedom and poetic storytelling that continues to inspire generations of viewers and creators alike.