An intense programme for the awaited inaugural three-day animation industry event in Berlin, taking place in the heart of the European Film Market of the Berlinale Film Festival.
February in Berlin marks a significant milestone for the European and international animation industry with the launch of the first-ever EFM Animation Days. Taking place from February 12-14, 2026, this meticulously curated program brings together creative excellence in animation, showcasing the distinct maturity of this medium, particularly within the European context.
Whether you are a seasoned producer, experienced financier, or first-time animator attending EFM 2026, the comprehensive program offers unprecedented access to the next wave of animation innovation through pitching sessions, case studies, workshops, panels, and extensive networking opportunities.
Animation Pitching Sessions: 28 Projects Take Center Stage
At the heart of EFM Animation Days is an exclusive showcase of 28 early-stage development projects presented across five dedicated pitching sessions. These sessions provide industry professionals with a rare chance to explore the most inspiring worlds of contemporary animation before they reach the market. The pitching sessions are scheduled on February 12 and 13.
Spotlight On: German Animation presents eight projects highlighting Germany’s vibrant animation landscape.
Spotlight On: Canadian Animation, curated by Telefilm Canada, features three carefully selected projects that represent Canadian creative excellence.
Spotlight On: Central Eastern Europe Animation, curated by CEE Animation, showcases five projects from this dynamic region.
Spotlight On: UK Animation, curated by Animation UK, showcases five projects that demonstrate British innovation in the medium.
Spotlight On: International Animation rounds out the program with seven projects from seven different countries, offering a truly global perspective on contemporary animation development.
Annecy Animation Showcase: Work-in-Progress Features
In partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, EFM Animation Days presents five outstanding animation feature film projects from around the world on Friday, February 13 at the Gropius Bau Cinema.
The showcase includes MouMoush – The King of Plastic, Pesta, Zako, and A Door to the Woods, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to preview promising work-in-progress features and meet the creative teams shaping the future of animation.
Case Studies: Practical Insights from International Co-Productions
Diversifying its program with hands-on offerings, EFM Animation Days presents two in-depth case studies on Saturday, February 14 at midday at the Producers Hub in the Gropius Bau (2nd floor).
Building Global Animation: Lessons from a UK-Germany Co-Production examines the successful collaboration behind The Amazing Maurice 2, offering valuable insights into cross-border production partnerships.
Riding the Waves of Real-Time Animation Production explores the innovative approaches employed in the Canada/Germany/Czech Republic co-production The Last Whale Singer, demonstrating cutting-edge production techniques.
Workshops: Hands-On Learning in Animated Documentary
Alongside case studies from successful European productions, EFM Animation Days offers two specialized hands-on workshops focusing on the growing field of animated documentary.
Producing Animated Documentaries, hosted by CEE Animation, takes place on Friday, February 13 at the Documentation Centre (Café Connect).
Fritzi’s Journey: Feature Animation to Emmy-Winning Animated Doc Series, hosted by DOK Leipzig, examines this remarkable adaptation on Saturday, February 14 at the Documentation Centre (Library).
Panels and Presentations: Industry Dialogue
As part of the official EFM Conference Programme, German Animation Studios in the Spotlight: Pitching Excellence highlights eight selected studios on Saturday, February 14, at the Documentation Centre. The presentation includes a panel focusing on collaboration opportunities with Germany, followed by an informal networking session with the featured German studios to explore potential synergies.
An Animation Panel discussing prevalent challenges and opportunities in the animation sector will be hosted in the Event Hall of the Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion, and Reconciliation.
Networking Opportunities: Building Industry Connections
The First Frames – Animation Pitches & Networking Event on Thursday, February 12 at the Mirror Tent brings together documentary and animation professionals to experience the Spotlight On pitches curated by Téléfilm Canada and CEE Animation, followed by a networking reception with drinks at the Mirror Tent.
EFM Animation Days 2026 represents a significant addition to the international animation calendar, offering a comprehensive platform that bridges creative development, industry knowledge-sharing, and professional networking. The program’s careful curation reflects both regional strengths and global innovation in animation, making it an essential event for professionals at every career stage. For this reason, The Animation Journal will be in attendance throughout the event.
Industry professionals interested in scheduling meetings or submitting editorial opportunities can contact us to info@animationjournal.news.
For complete program details and registration information, visit www.efm-berlinale.de/en/industry-programme/animation-days/animation-days.html.
