With this year’s spotlight on Mexican animation, the animator/writer/director brings Mexican culture and folklore to the festival poster for the upcoming June event; watch Gutierrez share the inspiration and process behind the poster.
The Annecy International Animation Festival has revealed its 2023 edition official poster, created by acclaimed Maya and the Three director Jorge R. Gutierrez. With this year's festival spotlight on Mexican animation, the Mexican animator and aficionado of Mexican culture and folklore created a heart-warming firework display announcing the upcoming edition, which runs June 11-17.
"Jorge’s work is deeply rooted in Mexican popular culture and folklore, but it is also zealously festive,” commented Marcel Jean, the Annecy Festival’s Artistic Director. “He flaunts a generous, Baroque, and colorful artistry that is full of surprises, which incarnates the festival’s very spirit. This poster invites you to come and party with us!"
An Emmy and Annie Award-winning animator, Gutierrez is also a painter, voice actor, and writer. A graduate of the CalArts Experimental Animation BFA & MFA graduate, he has produced a variety of films, cartoons, and paintings exploring his “love affair” with Mexican pop and folk culture.
"The poster is very inspired by all the spectacular nighttime parties at our beloved Festival,” shared Gutierrez. “A Mexican 'Xochimilco trajinera' boat arrives on Lake Annecy carrying lots of happy and excited Mexicans ready to party. The city itself is glowing, it's shining like a warm magical place.”
Gutierrez directed and co-wrote the animated feature The Book of Life, earning him a 2014 Golden Globe Award nomination. Working with his wife, Sandra Equihua, they created the multiple Emmy Award-winning animated series El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera for Nickelodeon. Gutierrez most recently created, wrote, and directed the Netflix series Maya and the Three, which garnered two Annie Awards and five Emmy nominations. Currently, he is developing a Netflix animated feature titled I, Chihuahua with Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias.
Watch Gutierrez share his inspiration and creative process:
Gutierrez will also be serving on the Jury for the 2023 Edition.
Source: Annecy International Animation Festival
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
