DR ‹ › The 24th International Animation Film Festival of Meknès (FICAM) is slated to unfold from May 15 to 20, 2026, in the historic imperial city, drawing in animation enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. This year's theme, «Youth Takes on Animation Cinema», aims to spotlight groundbreaking works and emerging talents. Organizers describe the event as an «engagement in favor of creativity and innovation». Hosted by the Aïcha Foundation in collaboration with the French Institute of Morocco in Meknès, the festival will pay homage to Fayez Al-Sabbagh, the founder and president of the SpaceToon channel, acknowledging his contributions to broadcasting youth programs across the Arab world. A standout feature of this edition will be the participation of Michel Ocelot, who is set to unveil «a new virtual reality piece, showcasing the adaptability of animation cinema to contemporary technologies», according to the organizers. This edition will also reflect on «a decade of the Francophone residency and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Aïcha Grand Prix of Animation, two pivotal programs that have nurtured numerous young talents, helping them gain recognition». The objective is to «highlight the journey of the laureates, to inspire the new generation», as stated in a press release. Additionally, the Careers Forum will mark its fifth edition, concentrating on «the relationship between employment and training in the animation cinema sector». It provides students with the opportunity to engage directly with professionals through quick sessions focused on sharing experiences. «The student pathway has been enhanced this year with new activities and a dedicated app, aimed at bridging the gap between training and practice, supporting integration into the animation industry», the statement adds. FICAM 2026 will also offer «screenings and events in several cities» across Morocco, along with «cultural mediations for young and old: open-air sessions, medina screenings, meetings with authors and directors, a bookstore, and interactive activities», supported by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), the Fès-Meknès region, the prefectural council, the municipality of Meknès, and Stinia, as well as «local partners, national and international animation studios, and media partners».
