Mifa Impérial Palace - Photo : ANNECY FESTIVAL/E. Nguyen
Mifa Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary
From 10th to 13th June 2025, the International Animation Film Market celebrates its 40th anniversary! Four decades of supporting the global animation film ecosystem and building its future together!
Join us and celebrate this anniversary in grand style!
40 years of the Mifa: 5 key dates
1985 – The first International Animation Film Market (Mifa) was launched on the initiative of the French Ministry of Culture to support France's animation industry. At the time, there were very few European producers present, in a market dominated by television productions from Japan and the United States. A 500 m² surface area of stands provided the opportunity for professionals to meet for the first time in Annecy. Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm were already present.
1989 – After the Centre Bonlieu, the Mifa was set up on the Pâquier with almost 2,000 m² of exhibition space.
1991 – The Mifa then made its home in the new Impérial Palace conference centre and laid out its 2,000 m² marquee in the grounds.
Mifa 1993 – Photo : Didier Devos
1995 – Mifa's exhibition area reached 3,000 m², and all of the Impérial Palace's lounges and conference rooms were involved.
1998 – The Festival and the Mifa, which had been held every two years since 1960, decided to make the event an annual event. Mifa is now held every year in June.
Since then, the Mifa has enjoyed a steady growth. Now, over 10,000 m² – including the exhibition area, the Impérial Palace conference centre as well as the Campus Mifa, especially for young aspiring talent since 2023 – welcomes professionals and students from almost a hundred nationalities.
Currently, the Mifa also boasts 200 events over the course of four days: conferences, professional meetings, workshops and pitches for projects in development from around the world. It is a genuine launch pad for talent and their creations!
Tokoto animates the party!
A special highlight for this anniversary is the Tokoto Studio, which shows us the career path of a young student whose participation at the Mifa led her to winning the prestigious Annecy Cristal!
2025 and all its exciting new features!
Once again, this year, the Mifa Exhibition Area is expanding to welcome even more territories (Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Scotland, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Kosovo, and Hungary), and new companies (Mattel, Creative Scotland, Ausfilm, New Zealand Film Commission, Procomer, Surfing Giant Studios and others), not forgetting the ever-increasing number of schools and new technology stands.
The Mifa conference programme is firmly focused on the future, supporting industry transformation and spotlighting emerging talent.