Deal calls for Saudi animators to participate in MIFA; annual ‘Best of Annecy’ festival to be held at Culture Square; animated Saudi shorts and features to be showcased at Annecy.
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) and Cité de l'Image en Mouvement et des Industries Créatives (CITIA), the organizers of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, have announced a three-year strategic partnership to strengthen global collaboration and boost the Saudi animation industry.
The agreement was underpinned by an MoU signed in Jeddah on December 9 by RSIFF CEO Faisal Baltyuor and Mickaël Marin, CITIA CEO.
It calls for Saudi animators to have the opportunity to participate at MIFA; the partnership will also see an annual ‘Best of Annecy’ animation festival held at Culture Square, with open-air screenings, children’s workshops, and family-friendly programming. In addition, animated Saudi short and feature films can be showcased at Annecy.
From 2026, an animation-focused industry panel will form part of the Red Sea Souk. A collaboration between Red Sea Labs and CITIA’s professional development ecosystem will establish workshops, masterclasses, mentorship programs, and student and emerging-talent exchange programs. RSIFF and Annecy teams will also explore opportunities for talent development, co-production opportunities, and open up international market access. A RSIFF delegation will participate at Annecy, in partnership with the Saudi Film Commission.
“The mix of programming exchange, education, market initiatives, and public engagement activities which this partnership brings to both Festivals is an incredible opportunity for not just the Saudi, but the global animation industry,” said Baltyuor. “The agreement positions Jeddah and Annecy as two global hubs working together to empower global creatives in the animation sector.”
Source: RSIFF
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
