Stepping out of the shuttle bus in Annecy after
crossing the border from Geneva, you feel as if you are in a full-blown
fairytale. Or, as I like to put it, and much to the joy of my travel
companion and colleague Kate, the perfect setting for a horror film.
The
stunning lake sits amidst the mountains, the old town, and a collection
of gorgeous and sparsely dotted houses, where our 'Passion home' for
the duration is situated. We kicked off the week with a swim in the
lake, and dinner and rosé on the water with our UK counterparts. No
murders yet.
Our number one goal for the week is cheese and potato themed, and Annecy
has not disappointed. Highlights of course being tartiflette and
raclette - clearly a block of slowly melting cheese on your dinner table
should be mandatory, no?
While the rosé has flowed and the tiny
town buzzes, we've had the opportunity to meet with old friends and
new. Passion directors Mark Waring (Isle of Dogs), Jimmy Kiddel,
Julian Frost, Kyra & Constantin, Tulips & Chimneys, Polynoid and
Golden Wolf have all been in town, along with our Parisian posse, and
of course the UK contingent as led by Andrew Ruhemann.
Oh - and
then there's the animation! Aside from the gorgeous crowds making fish
noises to display their affection for the work, flying paper planes
through the cinemas, and shouting out 'LUPIN!' (rabbit) in the intro
films (?!? I think I've missed something), I've absolutely loved
absorbing the amazing work. The breadth of style, technique, and
diversity of nationalities is incredibly inspiring. My favourites so far
are Bloeistraat 11 by Belgium director Nienke Deutz, and Animal
Behaviour (Zootherapie) - a short about various animals undergoing group
therapy by Canadians Alison Snowden and David Fine.
Four days
in, I feel like perhaps my first impression of Annecy as horror-movie
setting was misguided. I'll settle for cheese dreams I guess.
To hear more about the raclette, email Sophie at sophiew@passion-pictures.com.