Red Sea Film Festival Partners with CITIA for Animation Growth

The Red Sea International Film Festival has officially entered a three-year partnership with CITIA, organizers of the famed Annecy International Animation Film Festival, to bolster the animation sector in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was cemented in Jeddah, with Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Faisal Baltyuor and CITIA CEO Mickaël Marin signing the deal. The collaboration is designed to showcase Saudi animation talent on the global stage while enhancing the Kingdom's footprint in the international animation marketplace.

Entering into effect in 2026, this partnership will kick off various significant initiatives. A principal aim is to nurture Saudi talent by providing avenues for professional networking, skill enhancement, and knowledge exchange with worldwide experts. This initiative is expected to pave the way for future international collaborations and creative projects between Saudi creators and global industry leaders.

The collaboration will also see the launch of an annual program hosted at Culture Square in Historic Jeddah. This event is set to present selected works from the Annecy Festival, supplemented with workshops, screenings, and activities designed for families. Such programming will offer local audiences access to premier global animation while inspiring young creators throughout the Kingdom.

Additionally, the partnership is set to implement training workshops and exchange programs, utilizing CITIA’s extensive global network. These opportunities aim to equip Saudi artists with practical skills and insights from industry pioneers in animation. The main goal is to enhance global knowledge dissemination and elevate industry standards, cultivating a robust and competitive animation scene in Saudi Arabia.

Through this enduring partnership, the Red Sea Film Festival seeks to uplift creative industries within the Kingdom and support the growth and success of emerging animators on an international scale.