Walt Disney Animation Studios announced today that its newest theatrical short, Far From the Tree, will make its world premiere at the 2021 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The premiere screening will cap off the Festival’s 60th anniversary celebration program on Tuesday, June 15.
- Also featured at this year’s Festival on Wednesday, June 16, join Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer Jennifer Lee, Kugali filmmakers Ziki Nelson, Hamid Ibrahim, and Tolu Olowofoyeku, WDAS VFX Supervisor Marlon West and Head of Story Natalie Nourigat as they present a sneak peek at their first-of-its-kind collaboration, animated series Iwájú.
- This is the first time, anywhere, the creative leadership of Kugali and Disney Animation will appear together. The all-original series comes to Disney+ in 2022.
- Closing out the Annecy Festival on Saturday, June 19, will be a special screening of the Disney Animation theatrical short, Us Again, a poignant story told through dance and music, from Director Zach Parrish (“Puddles”) featuring choreography by award-winning choreographers/dancers Keone and Mari Madrid (“World of Dance”) as well as score by acclaimed composer Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel).
- Set in a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement, Us Again follows an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife as they rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. The short premiered in theaters alongside Disney Animation’s Raya and the Last Dragon earlier this year.
- In Far From the Tree, curiosity gets the better of a young raccoon whose frustrated parent attempts to keep them both safe. The short will make its theatrical debut to audiences around the world with Disney Animation’s upcoming feature film, Encanto, later this year.
- The short is directed by Natalie Nourigat, who also directed the short film, Exchange Student, which was released in January 2020 with Disney Animation’s Short Circuit Experimental Films.
- Nourigat presented Exchange Student before the Annecy Festival audience in 2019.
- Following the tradition of the Oscar-winning short Paperman and the Oscar-nominated short Get A Horse! the Annecy Festival premiere of Far From the Tree marks a decades-long partnership between the Festival and Disney Animation.
- Additional Panels from Walt Disney Animation Studios include:
- Carried Away: Disney Animation's Approach to Story – Join Walt Disney Animation Studios' story artist Carrie Liao to hear about her journey to Disney and storyboarding on feature-length animated films such as Raya and the Last Dragon.
- How To Make Your Portfolio Stand Out: A Virtual Coffee with Walt Disney Animation Studios – Join three Walt Disney Animation Studios artists and their artistic recruiters for a coffee chat and Q&A. Hear about their career journeys, how they approached creating their reels and portfolios, and ultimately, what stood out about their work to hiring leaders when they applied for their roles. You'll meet current and past Trainees as well as pro artists, and hear insights from the Disney Animation recruitment team.
- Speakers will include:
- Alessandra Rodriguez
- Keneth Leoncito
- Lior Lev
- Erika Becerra
- Matt Roberts
What they’re saying:
- Director Natalie Nourigat: “Annecy is such a special place for me and I am thrilled to bring my second animated short film to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. While I wish I could be there to present ‘Far From the Tree’ in person, I am honored to join the Festival on the virtual stage.”
- Festival Artistic Director Marcel Jean: “For decades, Disney Animation’s continued support and enduring relationship with Annecy International Animation Film Festival has produced incredible experiences for our Festival attendees, and we’re looking forward to another exciting lineup of events with these acclaimed Disney filmmakers.”