Big news for animation fans in Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has just signed a three-year partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the world. A game change partnership has taken place.
The agreement was signed in Jeddah on December 9, 2025. Both sides can renew it after three years. RSIFF’s CEO, Faisal Baltyuor, joined forces with Mickaël Marin, CEO of CITIA, the organization behind Annecy. This new collaboration connects two major festivals and opens exciting doors for Saudi creators.
Why this matters for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is building a strong creative industry from the ground up. Animation is one area with huge potential. Right now, it’s still growing, but this partnership will speed things up. Local artists will gain new skills. They will get better access to global markets. New jobs will appear in studios and production houses.
Most importantly, young talent will benefit. The deal includes training programs, workshops, and exchanges. It fits perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to grow entertainment and culture as key parts of the economy. Saudi stories told through animation can now reach audiences around the world.
Partnership of RSIFF and Annecy Festival
Here is how both the giants will work together.
Saudi animators will get special access to MIFA, the international market that runs alongside Annecy each year. That means networking with producers, distributors, and studios from everywhere.
Starting in 2026, Jeddah will host an annual “Best of Annecy” event at Culture Square. Families can watch top animated films under the stars. Kids will enjoy hands-on workshops. These free public screenings will bring world-class animation closer to Saudi audiences.
Saudi-made animated films, both shorts and features, will screen at Annecy. RSIFF plans to add a dedicated animation section to its own festival. Red Sea Labs will team up with CITIA for masterclasses and mentorship.
An animation-focused panel will join the Red Sea Souk market program every year. The two sides will also explore co-productions, where Saudi and international teams create films together.
Looking ahead to a brighter future
Jeddah and Annecy are becoming connected hubs for animation creativity. More animation schools are opening in the Kingdom. New studios are launching. With guidance from French experts and direct links to one of the world’s top festivals, Saudi projects can shine on the global stage.
Children will discover the magic of animation through fun, family-friendly events. Professionals will build careers with better training and real market opportunities. Fresh stories blending Saudi culture with stunning visuals will appear on screens everywhere.
This partnership is more than an agreement on paper. It’s a real step forward. The future of Saudi animation has never looked more promising.