The prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival is set to showcase a diverse range of animated works, and among the contenders are two anime series generating significant buzz: Metallic Rouge and Anne Shirley. Both series have been selected for the official competition in the TV Films category, marking a significant moment for Japanese animation on the global stage. The festival, taking place from June 8th to 14th, 2025, in Annecy, France, promises to be a thrilling event for animation enthusiasts worldwide.
Crunchyroll Celebrates Anime’s Global Presence
Crunchyroll, a leading platform for anime and manga, is playing a prominent role at Annecy this year. They are hosting a Studio Focus presentation led by Mitchel Berger, Executive Vice President of Global Commerce, on June 12th. The presentation will highlight the increasing global popularity of anime and Crunchyroll’s contribution to this phenomenon. The inclusion of Metallic Rouge and Anne Shirley, both streaming on Crunchyroll, in the official competition further underscores the platform’s commitment to showcasing high-quality anime content.
Metallic Rouge: A Sci-Fi Noir on Mars
Metallic Rouge, directed by Motonobu Hori and animated by BONES, is a stylish sci-fi anime set in a world where humans coexist with androids known as Neans. The story follows Rouge Redstar, a Nean, and Naomi Orthmann, an investigator, as they venture to Mars to track down a rogue group called the Immortal Nine. The series blends action, mystery, and a touch of film noir, creating a unique and captivating viewing experience.
Synopsis
In a future where androids, or “Neans,” are integrated into human society, tensions simmer beneath the surface. When a group known as the Immortal Nine rises up against the established order, Rouge Redstar, a skilled Nean operative, and her human partner, Naomi Orthmann, are tasked with hunting them down. Their investigation leads them to Mars, where they uncover a web of conspiracies and face dangerous adversaries. Rouge, with her advanced combat capabilities and distinctive metallic body, is a formidable force, but she also harbors a hidden desire for something as simple as chocolate, adding a touch of levity to the otherwise serious narrative.
Screenings at Annecy
Attendees of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival will have multiple opportunities to view Metallic Rouge:
- Monday, June 9th at 8:00 PM at Pathé 4
- Thursday, June 12th at 10:00 AM at Pathé 4
- Friday, June 13th at 3:00 PM at Pathé 4
Anne Shirley: A Classic Reimagined
Anne Shirley, directed by Hiroshi Kawamata and animated by The Answer Studio, is a fresh adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel, Anne of Green Gables. The series brings the timeless story of Anne, an imaginative orphan finding her place in the world, to a new generation of viewers.
Synopsis
Set on the idyllic Prince Edward Island in Canada, Anne Shirley tells the story of Anne, an orphan mistakenly sent to Green Gables, the home of siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Despite their initial surprise, the Cuthberts decide to adopt Anne, and she quickly becomes an integral part of their lives. The series follows Anne’s journey as she forms friendships, experiences love, and navigates the challenges of growing up. With her pure heart and boundless imagination, Anne leaves a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.
Production Details
- Director: Hiroshi Kawamata
- Animation Studio: The AnswerStudio
- Producers: Yoshiko Nakayama (Fuji Creative Corporation), Yukari Kiso and Kyosuke Sawada (The Answer Studio)
- Series Composition: Natsuko Takahashi
- Character Design: Kenichi Tsuchiya
- Music: Michiru Oshima
- Voice Cast:
- Anne Shirley: Honoka Inoue
- Marilla Cuthbert: Aya Nakamura
- Matthew Cuthbert: Yasunori Matsumoto
- Gilbert Blythe: Naoya Miyase
- Diana Barry: Yume Miyamoto
Screenings at Annecy
Anne Shirley will be screened as part of TV Films 2 during the festival.
Aired on NHK Educational TV
The Anne Shirley anime series began broadcasting on NHK Educational TV on April 5th, 2025, and is planned to run for 24 episodes.
Annecy International Animation Film Festival: A Global Animation Hub
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, established in 1960 as an offshoot of the Cannes Film Festival’s animation section, is the world’s oldest and largest animation festival. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of industry professionals, filmmakers, and animation enthusiasts from around the globe. The festival features a wide range of screenings, competitions, and presentations, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in animation.
This Year’s Highlights
- The festival will open with the world premiere of a selection of five short films, a departure from previous years where a single feature-length film was the opener.
- Three recipients of the Honorary Cristal Lifetime Achievement Award have been announced: Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons and Futurama), Michel Gondry, and Joanna Quinn.
- Hungarian animation will be spotlighted, with screenings of several films, including Cristal Award winners Heroic Times and The District!.
Competition Selection
This year, the festival received over 3,900 films from over a hundred countries, highlighting the global reach and importance of animation as an art form. Among the selected entries, Metallic Rouge and Anne Shirley stand out as prominent examples of contemporary Japanese animation.
Other TV Films in Competition
Alongside Metallic Rouge and Anne Shirley, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival will feature a diverse selection of TV films and specials in its official competition. These include:
- An Almost Christmas Story (USA)
- Anselmo Wannabe “The Architect” (Italy)
- Astérix & Obélix, le Combat des chefs “Épisode 102” (France)
- Baby Bot’s Backyard Tales S.1 E.4 “Where’s Billy?” (Spain)
- Big Lizard (Belgium, France, United Kingdom)
- Christo The Civilized Barbarian “Hunting Party” (USA)
- Devil May Cry “The First Circle” (USA)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire “Devoted” (USA)
A Promising Lineup for Anime Fans
The selection of Metallic Rouge and Anne Shirley for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival is a testament to the quality and appeal of these series. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi action or heartwarming stories, these anime offer something for everyone. As the festival approaches, anticipation is building to see how these series will be received by international audiences and critics alike. The event promises to be a celebration of animation in all its forms, and these two anime entries are sure to make a significant impact.
