The international artist residency program
Among its missions, NEF Animation supports the writing and the creative research in the field of animated film by developping artist residency programs that encourage international mobility. The International Residency for Animated Films is hosted and coproduced by the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the most important sites of the Loire valley (France).
The International Residency for Animated Films allows authors to immerse themselves one month into their work without caring about material constraints in a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere and enable them to meet and exchange with other artists in residency.
Since its creation, the residency has already welcomed more than 200 animation filmmakers and artists from 45 different countries.
Authors can apply with any personal projects of short, medium or full length animated films. Project of animated film in new or hybrid formats (artistic installation, virtual reality, transmedia, video-mapping, TV series or TV special, animated documentary, etc.) are also accepted.
This residency program receives the financial support of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, through the «Odyssée» program of the Association of Cultural Encounter Centres (ACCR). It is also supported by the French Region Pays de la Loire, the French Ministry of Culture, the CNC and the SACD.
The call for applications for a residency in October 2025 or April 2026 will open soon (January 2025).
No call for applications is currently open.
Please be sure to read the call for applications before submitting your application. Applications must be submitted through the online form. Applicants must clearly indicate their availability in October or April, or for both residency periods. The selectees will be divided between the April residence and the October residence, depending on the capacity.