Germany’s EFM Animation Days 2026 Brings Global Animation Industry, Creative Innovation, Cross-Media Growth and New Tourism Opportunities to Berlin

Published on December 3, 2025

The European Film Market in Germany is preparing for a groundbreaking expansion as it unveils EFM Animation Days, a three-day international program dedicated to the global animation industry. Scheduled to run from February 12 to 14, the new initiative arrives alongside the Berlin International Film Festival and symbolizes a major shift in Europe’s cultural and creative landscape.

By collaborating with the world-renowned Annecy Festival, the event aims to elevate animation, cross-media storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship, while also strengthening Germany’s role as a global destination for film-related travel and tourism. As Berlin increasingly attracts audiences, studios, and talent from around the world, the 2026 festival marks a significant turning point in Europe’s cultural tourism and entertainment economy.

A New Chapter for Animation in Europe

The creation of EFM Animation Days positions Berlin at the intersection of creativity, technology, and industry collaboration. By joining hands with Annecy—a premier global animation festival—EFM is offering a platform where studios, producers, financiers, IP developers, and buyers can come together to shape the future of animated storytelling.

Over three days, participants will engage in pitch sessions, curated showcases, workshops, case studies, and professional networking, creating an environment where ideas cross geographic borders and media boundaries. This collaboration signals Europe’s increasing investment in creative industries and its acknowledgment of animation as a crucial cultural and economic driver.

Animation Showcase EFM: A Glimpse Into the Future

A highlight of the event will be the Annecy Animation Showcase EFM, presenting animated works in progress slated for release in late 2026. These works offer buyers, programmers, and global industry leaders a preview of emerging talent, innovative storytelling formats, and boundary-pushing artistic techniques.

Such previews not only boost industry confidence but also stimulate global film tourism by drawing creators, investors, and professionals to Berlin. For many attendees, experiencing the Showcase becomes a form of cultural travel—an opportunity to engage with global stories, meet international creators, and immerse themselves in Germany’s vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Supporting a Growing Creative Economy

EFM organizers have expressed strong commitment to reinforcing Europe’s animation pipeline, calling the sector an industrial, economic, and cultural imperative. As the animation industry expands beyond film and television to include gaming, immersive media, educational platforms, and branded IP, initiatives like Animation Days support the transformation of creative practices.

This industry-wide evolution has profound implications for Berlin’s identity as a creative destination. The event not only heightens its international profile but also demonstrates how cultural initiatives can drive urban tourism, create economic value, and support long-term talent development.

EFM Beyond: Redefining Cross-Media Collaboration

Adding another dimension to the 2026 market is EFM Beyond, designed to encourage collaboration across film, animation, gaming, and other creative sectors. Through hands-on workshops, professionals will explore strategies for expanding intellectual property across formats—transforming stories into multi-platform experiences that reach broader audiences.

This shift toward cross-media collaboration mirrors global tourism trends, where travellers increasingly seek immersive entertainment, interactive experiences, and digital storytelling tied to cultural destinations. For Berlin, EFM Beyond enhances its reputation as a place where creativity thrives, making the city more attractive to tourists who integrate cultural exploration into their travel plans.

Innovation Hub Returns for 2026

Alongside the new initiatives, Berlin will welcome the return of the Innovation Hub, a space dedicated to the latest production technologies reshaping filmmaking. Visitors will experience cutting-edge tools related to virtual production, digital animation pipelines, AI-driven workflows, and advanced post-production techniques.

For tech-savvy travellers, creatives, students, and professionals, the Innovation Hub offers a compelling reason to visit Berlin—not simply for the festival screenings, but for an immersive encounter with the technologies shaping the future of global media.

Startup and Finance Programs Strengthen Berlin’s Creative Appeal

Two established programs will continue to shape the market’s global significance: the EFM Startups program and the EFM Investors Forum.

The Startups program will present ten media-tech entrepreneurs from around the world, connecting emerging innovators with established industry players. Meanwhile, the Investors Forum will gather leaders in film and media finance for a full day of discussions on the evolving landscape of funding models.

Such initiatives reflect a broader global trend where creative industries intersect with entrepreneurship and investment. They also contribute to Berlin’s reputation as a hub for creative business travel—drawing professionals from more than 130 countries and expanding the city’s tourism-driven economy.

Morocco as Country in Focus: A New Cultural Gateway

Germany’s EFM has also selected Morocco as the Country in Focus for 2026, emphasizing opportunities for co-production, showcasing films, and building connections with North Africa’s rapidly growing media landscape.

Travellers visiting Berlin during the festival will gain access to curated sessions highlighting Morocco’s creative infrastructure, filmmaking culture, and international collaborations. This focus not only strengthens cross-cultural exchange but also positions Berlin as a meeting point where global South and global North industries can interact, learn, and collaborate.

Genre, Series, and Film School Programs Expand Festival Diversity

Several additional programs will enrich the festival experience:

• EFM Frontières Focus spotlights five international genre projects in the late financing or production stages.
• The Berlinale Film School Summit offers directing and producing students a rare opportunity to access industry programming and resources.
• EFM Far East in Progress highlights Asian films in post-production.
• The Berlinale Series Market (Feb 15–18) focuses on international television productions and streaming content.

These programs do more than enrich the festival—they create new avenues for cultural tourism. Students, filmmakers, researchers, and creative professionals often travel specifically to engage with these unique learning opportunities.

Nonfiction and Archival Programs Reinforce Cultural Memory

The nonfiction sector continues to grow through DocSalon, a key networking hub dedicated to documentary filmmaking. Running from February 13–17, DocSalon attracts global documentarians who often bring with them unique cultural and regional perspectives.

Meanwhile, the Archive Market on February 17 will spotlight restored classics, re-releases, heritage cinema preservation, and archival research. For cultural tourists, historians, and archivists, these programs transform Berlin into a site of cinematic memory—inviting visitors to explore both the future of film and its rich past.

A Global Conference for Industry Knowledge

The EFM Conference Programme returns from February 13–16 with masterclasses, panels, and in-depth talks on global filmmaking. With sessions covering distribution, storytelling innovation, sustainability, diversity, digital transformation, and more, it becomes a knowledge hub for attendees traveling from different parts of the world.

Such programs help consolidate Berlin’s identity as an international meeting point for film, culture, and tourism—drawing tens of thousands of professionals and enthusiasts each year.

Film Markets and Tourism: A New Synergy for Berlin

Berlin has long been celebrated for its cultural vibrancy, historical significance, and creative energy. Yet the rise of film markets and animation initiatives has introduced a new layer to the city’s tourism ecosystem.

Travellers visiting during the Berlin International Film Festival often explore not only screenings but also:

• local museums
• historical landmarks
• independent cinema venues
• artistic neighborhoods
• film production studios
• libraries and archives
• technology hubs

With the addition of EFM Animation Days, the city further strengthens its role as a cultural crossroads where business, creativity, and travel converge.

The Broader Tourism Impact

1. Increased Winter Tourism

The event takes place in February, a period typically quieter for tourism. The festival boosts hotel occupancy, transport services, and local businesses.

2. Expansion of Creative Travel

Visitors interested in animation, gaming, film, and digital arts choose Berlin specifically for its creative programming.

3. Global Cultural Exchange

Attendees from over 130 countries bring their stories, perspectives, and professional expertise, enriching Berlin’s multicultural environment.

4. Local Economic Growth

Restaurants, cafés, coworking spaces, studios, and boutique shops benefit from the surge of international guests.

5. Long-Term Creative Residency Appeal

Some visitors return to Berlin later in the year to explore opportunities for collaboration, study, or production, creating long-term value for the region.

A New Perspective: Berlin as an International Animation Gateway

With Animation Days leading the way, Berlin positions itself not just as a film destination, but as a global animation hub—a place where creators from different continents can collaborate, learn, innovate, and celebrate their craft.

By merging industry programming with tourism experiences, the 2026 edition of EFM signals the emergence of a new kind of cultural travel—one that values creativity as much as destination.

Conclusion: A Cultural Milestone for Germany and the Global Animation Community

The introduction of EFM Animation Days marks a transformative moment for Germany’s creative industries. With expanded programming, cross-media collaboration, innovation hubs, and strong international participation, Berlin is set to become a premier destination for animation professionals, film enthusiasts, and cultural travellers alike.

The 2026 festival demonstrates how a city can leverage the power of animation, creative markets, and global storytelling to reshape its tourism identity and strengthen its place on the international cultural map.