Among the main highlights of the festival are Russian TV series “Masha and the Bear: Tracks of Unknown Animals". The latest episode of the 3D masterpiece from cartoonist Oleg Uzhinov revolves around a curious little girl and her friend Bear, who teaches Masha to recognize different footprints in the snow.

“Cheburashka Arere? A New Friend"

One of Masha’s closest rivals in the category will be a Japanese production “Cheburashka Arere? A New Friend" whose main characters are in fact two of the most popular children’s characters in Russia – Crocodile Gena and his funny friend Cheburashka.

Hot on Crocodile Gena’s tail in the TV series category are “Marvo the Wonder Chicken: Bad Altitude". The UK’s animated series from cartoonist Clark Irving focuses on a wonder chicken whose life is full of surprises. Literally fighting like cats and dogs are “Maurice et Patapon” – the French animated series based on a popular comic book is also among the main contenders for the festival’s top honors.

The Russian presence at the French festival this year is as big as ever, with another three Russian-made animated cartoons also featured in the short film category, where they will be competing against 36 productions from around the world.

“Dog-Walking Ground”

Chances are high for “About One Bird”, “About St. Basil” and “Once There Was a Fly” from award-winning Russian cartoonists.

Several Russian artists will also have a chance to show off their debut works at the prestigious festival: “Look Up”, about a lonely little girl; “The One Who Was Different” about a technique for drawing on paper about childhood dreams; and “Dog-Walking Ground” about the inhabitants of dog-walking paths.