Bill Plympton to Headline Animaze 2026 Masterclass Programme
Skwigly
Animaze, the Montréal International Animation Festival, has officially launched its 13th edition, taking place September 17–19, 2026 at Cinéma du Musée, with the unveiling of its official festival poster and the confirmation that Oscar-nominated animation legend Bill Plympton will return as the first headline guest of the festival’s newly expanded Masterclass Program.
2026 OFFICIAL FESTIVAL POSTER UNVEILED
The 2026 official poster is created by Andrew Lucas, a multidisciplinary designer and creative director and the founder of INDOCTRINATE, an independent studio focused on brand systems and immersive visual experiences. Vibrant, bold, and distinctly forward-looking, the poster marks a new visual chapter for Animaze, reflecting its evolving identity as a global platform where animation, storytelling, and the future of the art form converge. The poster will serve as the visual anchor of all 2026 festival communications and promotions.
BILL PLYMPTON RETURNS — MASTERCLASS PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
One of the most distinctive and celebrated voices in independent animation, Bill Plympton — Oscar-nominated and widely regarded as the godfather of independent animation — confirms his return to Animaze for the 13th edition. Plympton will headline the festival’s newly structured Masterclass Program, bringing his singular, hand-crafted animation philosophy to the next generation of animators, filmmakers, and storytellers.
Plympton’s masterclass is designed to be an immersive, live educational experience, part creative workshop, part industry seminar, offering participants direct access to one of animation’s most prolific and iconic minds. From his distinctive drawing style to the realities of independent animation production, Plympton’s session will address the craft, the career, and the creative future of animation.
“Bill Plympton represents the spirit of independent animation at its very best. His return to Animaze and participation in our new Masterclass Program reflects our commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic independence.”
Laurie Gordon, Founder, Animaze
Additional esteemed animation guests and Masterclass Program participants and jury will be announced in the coming weeks.
ANIMAZE EXPANDS GLOBAL REACH THROUGH MiCANNES PARTNERSHIP
Fresh off a prominent presence at the Cannes film festival circuit, Animaze has further solidified its international standing through its official partnership with MiCannes (Music International Cannes). Having been an integral part of MiCannes since its inaugural year, Animaze marks a major, ongoing crossover between animation and the global music sector.
At the 2026 edition, Animaze proudly presented the prestigious Music Video / Music Documentary of the Year Award at the annual MiCannes Awards Lunch at the Mondrian Hotel on the Croisette. The 2026 accolade was awarded to the music video starring Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee Lena Hall, directed by Animaze alumnus filmmaker Oliver Anderson (creator of San Francisco Toys).
This builds on Animaze’s 2024 MiCannes presentation to legendary music manager and filmmaker Simon Napier-Bell (manager of Wham!, The Yardbirds, and George Michael), underscoring Animaze’s expanding footprint as a multi-disciplinary platform bridging film, music, and cutting-edge visual storytelling on the world stage.
PROGRAMMING & CATEGORIES — 13TH EDITION
Programming will include Features and Shorts competitions, a First Nations Selection, an International Student Film Contest, VR, AR and Experimental categories, and dedicated AI Categories recognizing AI’s role in contemporary animation production. The festival’s new Masterclass Program will offer live educational seminars, artist spotlights, and industry-grade conversations designed for both emerging and established animation professionals.
Festival dates: September 17–19, 2026