In a significant step aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia's position on the global creative map, the Red Sea International Film Festival announced a strategic partnership with the City of Animation and Creative Industries (CITIA), the organizer of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, the world's leading event in this field. This agreement paves the way for developing the animation industry in the Kingdom and supporting national talent to reach international levels.
Details of the agreement and its objectives
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Jeddah, with Faisal Baltior, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, representing the Saudi side, and Mickaël Marin, CEO of CITIA, signing on behalf of the French side. This partnership extends for three years, renewable, reflecting both parties' commitment to building a sustainable relationship aimed at exchanging expertise and developing human capital in the animation sector.
The importance of partnership and the global context
This partnership is significant given the prestigious status of the Annecy International Animation Festival , often described as the “Cannes of animation,” which annually brings together leading creators and producers from around the world. Through this collaboration, the Red Sea Film Festival aims to connect the burgeoning local animation industry with established international platforms, providing Saudi creators with direct exposure to global expertise and a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the international animation market.
Executive initiatives and future programs
The agreement includes a package of ambitious initiatives that will be implemented gradually, including:
- Film screenings in Historic Jeddah: An annual program is presented in the “Culture Square” in Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), showcasing distinguished selections from the Annecy Festival, thus contributing to enriching the local cultural scene.
- A specialized committee for the Red Sea market: Starting in 2026, a specialized animation committee will be formed within the Red Sea market to enhance funding and distribution opportunities for Saudi projects.
- Professional Development and Student Exchange: Implementing training workshops and student and professional exchange programs in cooperation with the CITIA development system.
Supporting the Kingdom's cultural vision
This move aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and support creative sectors. Faisal Baltayour emphasized that this partnership represents a significant addition to the animation industry both locally and globally, noting that it opens up broad horizons for creative exchange and contributes to solidifying Jeddah's position as a global hub for arts and talent, much like the French city of Annecy.
