Full Breakdown
Annecy 2026: Pixar and the NFB Unveil New Animation Projects
6/26/2026, 8:52:38 PM
Core Announcements at Annecy
On June 14, 2026, Pixar presented work-in-progress footage of the short *Loving Dory* and previewed scenes from its Venice-set feature *Gatto* to a 1,400-person audience at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) unveiled its new short *Ultra Strong*, a gender-focused story inspired by Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson.
Background & Context
Pixar’s reveal follows the commercial success of *Toy Story 5*, extending the *Finding Nemo* universe. The NFB, a Canadian cultural institution, has attended Annecy since the 1950s, making the festival a long-standing showcase for its animation work.
Key Figures & Groups
Director Lou Hamou-Lhadj leads *Loving Dory*; producer Mary Alice Drumm confirmed Ellen DeGeneres’s return as Dory and Thomas Newman’s score. Enrico Casarosa directs *Gatto*, also voicing pigeon Saverio, with Mark Ruffalo as Nero and Laurence Fishburne as Rocco. NFB creators Catherine LePage and Christina Noel co-wrote *Ultra Strong*, featuring Bruce Dickinson’s cameo.
Data & Statistics
The Annecy screening attracted 1,400 attendees. *Gatto* is 50 % animated and slated for a March 5, 2027 release. *Ultra Strong* draws thematic inspiration from Iron Maiden’s stage philosophy.
Why It Matters
*Loving Dory* uses a plastic bag as a visual metaphor for marine pollution, extending the franchise’s environmental message. *Gatto* blends painterly aesthetics with a cat-mobster narrative, exploring superstition and agency. *Ultra Strong* foregrounds vulnerability as strength, challenging gender norms in animation. Together, the projects signal a shift toward socially resonant storytelling and cross-media collaboration.
Official Statements & Responses
Drumm confirmed Ellen DeGeneres will reprise Dory and Thomas Newman will score the short, emphasizing continuity. Casarosa noted that *Gatto* is half-finished and described its visual style as coarse, sketched and painterly. Noel highlighted the NFB’s historic Annecy partnership and announced upcoming projects, including *The Shiatsung Project* and a 30-minute Christmas special with Cordell Barker.
On-the-Ground Reports
Audience members applauded the *Loving Dory* read-through and voiced curiosity about the “spectral sea creature” visual. The NFB’s presentation sparked discussion of the short’s empowerment theme and the novelty of a rock-star voice cameo.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s a new chapter in Dory’s story, because she allows us to have fun,” — Lou Hamou-Lhadj, Director, *Loving Dory*
- “Venice is our setting. We have a new, very immersive, painterly looks. We like the idea of walking into a painting. Imagine walking into a Van Gogh painting.” — Enrico Casarosa, Director, *Gatto*
- “LEPAGE: Accept your vulnerability.” — Catherine LePage, Co-creator, *Ultra Strong*
- “NOËL: The NFB has been participating in Annecy almost since the festival’s earliest years.” — Christina Noel, NFB Representative
What’s Next
Pixar will release *Gatto* worldwide on March 5, 2027, while *Loving Dory* will accompany the feature later in 2026. The NFB will showcase *The Shiatsung Project* at Annecy and expand into feature-length animation.
