We are thrilled to share the overwhelmingly positive reception for “Animal Farm,” which had its highly anticipated world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this past Monday, June 9, 2025. Directed by the visionary Andy Serkis, who introduced the film on stage to an eager audience, this animated adaptation based on George Orwell’s novella, brought to life with Cinesite’s dedicated work, has already garnered significant praise from critics.

We’re incredibly proud to have delivered the feature animation for “Animal Farm.” Our teams poured their expertise and creativity into crafting the storybook world and memorable characters of this ambitious adaptation, and the initial reviews are a testament to their exceptional efforts.

Critics have lauded the film for its stunning animation, compelling storytelling, and timely relevance:

• Deadline hailed the film as a “Clever And Chilling Take On Orwell’s Classic Novella.” They praised the “gorgeously animated version” and its screenplay by Nicholas Stoller as “alternately funny and frighteningly perceptive.” The review highlighted how the film “is uncannily meeting its time and proving to be a little too close for comfort,” while still being “that rare animated feature that works on many levels and thus will find favor with the whole family for different reasons.” They concluded by calling it “one of the most important films of the year.”

• IGN found “Animal Farm” to be “rather entertaining” as a family movie with “heavier undertones.” The review noted that the film benefits from “a rare case of animated stunt casting where the big names are actually allowed to play to their strengths,” leading to an “entertaining, distinct animated movie with big themes that stands out from other family-friendly fare.”

• Screen International described Serkis’s version as a “coming-of-age picture” that offers “a little more hope than was present in Orwell’s 1945 novella.” While acknowledging a softened approach for a family audience, the review affirmed that “the film still takes a political stance and delivers an emphatic message celebrating equality and the power of the collective.”

The initial response from Annecy has been fantastic, affirming the power of storytelling and the artistry of animation in addressing profound themes. We extend our congratulations to Andy Serkis, the incredible voice cast: Seth Rogan, Gaten Matarazzo, Laverne Cox, Iman Vellani, Kieran Culkin, Jim Parsons, Woody Harrelson, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close and Kathleen Turner, as well as our production partners Aniventure & Imaginarium Productions. Stay tuned for more updates on “Animal Farm” as it prepares for a wider release, but in the meantime, enjoy the first look clip below.