# Annecy Defends Hisko Hulsing After AI Protest Disrupts 'Danse Macabre' Premiere

_Event · published 2026-06-25_

Annecy Film Festival's artistic director publicly condemned protests that disrupted the premiere of Hisko Hulsing's 'Danse Macabre,' which drew demonstrations over its use of AI-generated artwork. The festival's defence of the film signals a growing institutional willingness to stand behind AI-assisted work even as industry opposition intensifies.

The incident has reignited debate within the animation community over the legitimacy of AI-generated imagery in festival-circuit films. Hulsing addressed the controversy and its aftermath in a conversation following the disruption, underscoring the increasingly fraught terrain animators and festivals must navigate as generative tools become more prevalent in production.

## Sources
- [Cartoon Brew](https://www.cartoonbrew.com/festivals/annecy-danse-macabre-ai-hisko-hulsing-marcel-jean-263638.html)
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