Experience celebrated animated films at SCAD AnimationFest Lacoste 2026
Explore the production process and enjoy the best in animation, gaming, and more for three days of screenings and presentations from France's breathtaking Luberon Valley at SCAD AnimationFest Lacoste. SCAD’s signature festival for all things digital media returns to the university’s idyllic study abroad location for a fifth year, welcoming students, honored guests, and industry professionals for its calendar of events on the future of animated entertainment.
Tickets for each event are free for SCAD Card holders and the general public; a reserved ticket is required for entry to each event. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 16
8 p.m.
Screening and Conversation: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Théâtre du SCAD
The Academy Award-nominated Little Amélie or the Character of Rain is a tender and imaginative story that captures the wonder, curiosity, and quiet resilience of childhood. After a miraculous encounter with chocolate ignites Amélie’s wild sense of curiosity, she forms a deep attachment to her family’s new housekeeper, Nishio-san, and discovers the wonders of nature as well as the emotional truths hidden beneath the surface of her family’s life as foreigners in post-war Japan. Through its whimsical lens and deeply felt perspective, Little Amélie invites us into a richly textured world shaped by memory, emotion, and discovery.
Friday, April 17
3 p.m.
SCAD Student Showcase
Théâtre du SCAD
At SCAD, animation students train in one of the most dynamic and influential fields in entertainment. This selection of student-produced short films highlights the diverse styles and techniques explored in the program, reflecting the creativity and craft SCAD students bring to careers in film, television, and beyond.
5 p.m.
Screening and Conversation: Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal
Théâtre du SCAD
The third season of Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal continues the story of prehistoric warrior Spear and his unlikely dinosaur companion Fang as they struggle to survive in a brutal, unforgiving world. In the series’ most emotional season yet, Primal’s bold storytelling takes a darker turn to reveal new layers in Spear’s journey. Known for its striking, dialogue-free approach and visceral emotional impact, the acclaimed series continues to push the boundaries of animation with each season.
Following the screening, Studio La Cachette co-owner and producer Julien Chheng will offer behind-the-scenes insights on the making of the series.
7:30 p.m.
Screening and Alumni Conversation: F1: The Movie
Théâtre du SCAD
Academy Award winner F1: The Movie immerses viewers in the world of high-speed Formula One racing, where ambition and precision collide on and off the track. Blending intense competition with character-driven storytelling, F1: The Movie follows journeyman Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who is offered the chance to return to the highest level of open-wheel racing to mentor rising rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris).
Join us at 5 p.m. for burgers and fries at Maison Basse before the film. Following the screening, senior animator and SCAD alum Jayant Kumar (B.F.A., animation, 2017) will explore how animation was integrated into the filmmaking process and the role it played in shaping the onscreen world of F1: The Movie.
Saturday, April 18
11 a.m.
Saturday Morning Cartoons with Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Théâtre du SCAD
Wake up with Saturday morning cartoons again at this curated lineup of episodes showcasing the wildly inventive and influential work of animation legend Jeff "Swampy" Marsh. From the offbeat brilliance of Rocko’s Modern Life to the inventive, music-filled world of Phineas and Ferb and its revival — not to mention Milo Murphy’s Law, Hey AJ, and Pete the Cat — the legendary creator, writer, director, showrunner, songwriter, and voice talent has made an incredible impact on modern animated television, bringing humor, heart, and boundless creativity to generations of cartoon lovers.
Join us at 10 a.m. for crêpes before the event. Following the screening, Marsh will participate in a lively conversation about his remarkable career, the joy of building unforgettable worlds and characters, and the creative spark behind some of the most beloved and enduring animated series of the last few decades.
5 p.m.
Screening and Conversation: Arco
Théâtre du SCAD
Full of wonder, emotion, and bold visual storytelling, the Academy Award-nominated Arco is a vibrant cinematic experience that blends sci-fi adventure with deeply human stakes. In 2075, Iris witnesses Arco, a mysterious boy in a rainbow suit, fall from the sky. As Iris discovers Arco is from an idyllic far future where time travel is possible, Arco learns that Iris’ time is on the verge of ecological collapse. Iris and Arco soon set off on a heartfelt journey as Iris resolves to do whatever it takes to help Arco return home.
Join us at 4 p.m. for sweet treats before the film. Following the screening, Arco producer and co-writer Félix de Givry will discuss the film’s creative origins, its distinctive visual world, and the collaborative process behind its production.