Cartoon Forum 2025: A New Era of Animation Financing in Europe

One of the most prestigious gatherings in the European animation industry, Cartoon Forum 2025, is taking place in Toulouse this year. More than just a pitching event, Cartoon Forum has long served as a networking hub that connects producers with broadcasters, distributors, and investors. In 2025, however, the event introduces a groundbreaking new initiative: the “top-up financing” program.

This program is designed to support projects that were pitched last year and are already close to being fully financed, helping them secure the final investment they need to move into production.

What is Cartoon Forum?

Since its launch in 1990, Cartoon Forum has become the leading marketplace for European animation. Held annually in Toulouse, France, the event provides independent producers with the chance to showcase their projects to international partners.

Over the years, hundreds of animated series first presented at Cartoon Forum have gone on to reach global audiences on television, streaming platforms, and even in theaters. This has made the event a cornerstone of Europe’s creative industries, often described as “the beating heart of European animation.”

The New 2025 Initiative: Top-Up Financing

The standout feature of Cartoon Forum 2025 is the new top-up financing program. This initiative highlights projects that were pitched in 2024 and have already secured most of their budgets but are still missing a small portion of funding.

Through special promotional and networking opportunities, these projects will now have:

• Producers getting the chance to close their remaining financing gap.
• Investors gaining confidence in nearly completed projects with reduced risk.
• International co-productions being finalized more quickly and effectively.

In short, this program is designed to accelerate the journey of European animation projects from concept to screen.

Projects Selected for 2025

A total of 75 projects have been selected for Cartoon Forum 2025. They showcase the diversity and creativity of European studios, with stories ranging from children’s comedy to historical dramas and digital-first content.

Some of the key studios presenting this year include:

• Alexandra Schatz Film Produktion (Germany)
• Somewhere Animation (France)
• Submarine (Netherlands)
• Kavaleer Production (Ireland)
• La Cabane Production (Belgium)
• Letko (Poland)
• Mago Productions (Spain)
• Palomar (Italy)
• Thuristar (Belgium)
• UMedia (Belgium)
• Gigglebug Canarias (Spain)
• Mistral Films Studio (France)

These companies are not only shaping the European animation landscape but also making their mark in the global content market.

Animation Buzz in Toulouse

Each September, Cartoon Forum transforms Toulouse into a hub of creative energy. The city becomes a gathering place for hundreds of industry professionals, from producers and investors to artists and distributors.

The event features:

• Panels and workshops exploring the latest industry trends.
• Networking sessions connecting independent studios with major media groups.
• Screenings and showcases that give attendees a first look at tomorrow’s hit series.

The festival-like atmosphere makes Cartoon Forum not only a business marketplace but also a cultural celebration of animation.

Trends in the European Animation Market

The projects highlighted at Cartoon Forum often reflect the direction of the global animation market. In 2025, several key trends stand out:

• A rise in short-form animated series for streaming platforms.
• Strong demand for educational content targeting children.
• More comic book and cartoon adaptations entering the animation space.
• Growing emphasis on multicultural stories that appeal to international audiences.

Why It Matters for Cartoonists and Independent Artists

While Cartoon Forum is primarily an animation marketplace, its financing models can also inspire independent artists, illustrators, and cartoonists. The rise of co-productions and innovative funding structures shows that even small-scale creative projects can find international pathways to development.

In particular, the adaptation of comic books and illustrated stories into animated formats demonstrates the growing synergy between the worlds of cartoons and animation.

The Start of a New Era

Cartoon Forum 2025 marks the beginning of a new era for European animation. With the launch of the top-up financing program, projects that are nearly complete will have a much better chance of reaching the screen.

For the wider creative industry—and especially for cartoonists and independent studios—this signals a future filled with more international co-productions, greater financial sustainability, and a stronger global presence for European animation.