Partnership Between Red Sea Festival and Annecy CITIA Kicks Off

The Red Sea International Film Festival has embarked on an exciting three-year partnership with CITIA, the entity behind the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, to foster the animation industry in Saudi Arabia. This significant agreement was formalized in Jeddah by Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, and Mickaël Marin, CEO of CITIA. The initiative intends to spotlight Saudi animation talent on the global stage while enhancing the Kingdom’s role in the international animation sphere.

Kicking off in 2026, the partnership will unveil numerous initiatives focused on nurturing Saudi talent. This will encompass professional networking opportunities, skills development, and exchanges of creative ideas with international experts. Furthermore, the collaboration seeks to facilitate more global partnerships and innovative projects between Saudi creators and international industry professionals.

A highlight of the initiative includes the establishment of an annual event at Culture Square in Historic Jeddah. This venue will showcase selected works from the Annecy Festival, combined with engaging workshops, screenings, and family-friendly activities. This program will make global animation accessible to local audiences, creating inspiration for young creators across the Kingdom.

Moreover, plans are underway to provide training workshops and exchange programs fueled by CITIA’s global network. These initiatives will afford Saudi artists valuable hands-on experience and learning from industry leaders in animation. By sharing global expertise and best practices, this partnership aims to cultivate a robust animation sector in Saudi Arabia.

Through this enduring partnership, the Red Sea Film Festival consistently contributes to the advancement of creative industries in the Kingdom, empowering budding animators to connect and thrive on an international platform.