FICAM draws to a close

MEKNES - The 24th edition of the Meknes International Animated Film Festival (FICAM) drew to a close on Wednesday, marking the end of six intense days of screenings, professional networking, immersive experiences, and creative exchanges centered around contemporary animation.

Centered on the theme "Youth and the World of Animation," this year's edition - organized by the Aïcha Foundation in partnership with the French Institute of Morocco in Meknes - cemented FICAM's role as a premier platform for education, mentorship, and the promotion of animated cinema across Morocco and the African continent.

A Closing Ceremony Blending Emotion, Cinema, and Celebration

The closing ceremony, held at the French Institute of Meknes, brought together festival-goers, industry professionals, students, and guests for a memorable moment of community and celebration.

Attendees enjoyed a screening of the 2026 César-nominated feature film, "La vie de Château, mon enfance à Versailles" (My Life in Versailles) - a sensitive and poetic work that served as the perfect conclusion to this year's official selection.

Set against an atmosphere that was both festive and deeply moving, the screening capped off a week dedicated to pioneering animation narratives and the boundless creativity of the younger generation.

High-Energy Musical Performance Wraps Up the Festival

The festivities continued at Place l’Agora with an exceptional concert by the Japanese J-Rock band NANASHI, treating the FICAM audience to a powerful, immersive musical experience. With its raw stage presence, fusion of musical styles, and electrifying atmosphere, the concert beautifully extended the core spirit of the festival: fostering a vibrant dialogue between diverse cultures, disciplines, and imaginations.

An Edition Defined by Youth and Mentorship

Throughout the week, FICAM shined a spotlight on the new generation of creators through a diverse range of initiatives:

• International film screenings and exclusive previews.
• Specialized training workshops uniting more than 100 students.
• Professional networking opportunities connecting emerging talent with studios and producers.
• The Animation Film Careers Forum, specifically structured around the intersection of education and employment.

The professional conferences also paved the way for addressing key issues vital to the strategic growth and future of the industry.

The 2026 Awards List: Celebrating Diverse Animation Styles

The closing ceremony unveiled a highly competitive awards list, reflecting the deep creativity, diversity, and high standards of the selected works:

International Animated Short Film Competition ("Court Compèts")

• Grand Jury Prize: “Une Fugue” (A Fugue), directed by Agnès Patron
• Special Jury Mention: “Autokar”, directed by Sylwia SZKIŁĄDŹ
• Youth Prize: “Tigre et Renard : Les animaux aussi pleurent leurs morts” (Tiger and Fox: Animals Cry for Their Dead Too), directed by Romain Verlinde, Clémence Cognot, Sully Desplats, Arthur Davignie, and Hélia Deplanque.
• Best Student Film (Tie): “A l'Ombre des draps”, directed by Lina Saïdani & “Gauze”, directed by Noran Fikri Alezabi, Nicholas Arujah, Xinyue Ma, Yulin Yue, and Xiaonan Zhou.
• Junior Jury Prize: “Chère fin”, directed by Khéma Cousin, Lien Franckel, Laora Le Boursicot, Alissende Masson, Josephine Mounier, and Clément Saden.
• Audience Award: “Two Ships”, directed by McKinley Benson.

International Animated Feature Film Competition

• Grand Jury Prize: “Allah n'est pas obligé” (Allah is Not Obliged), directed by Zaven Najjar (represented by André Kadi).
• Audience Award: “Arco”, directed by Ugo Bienvenu (represented by Anaëlle Saba).

International VR (Virtual Reality) Animated Film Competition

• Grand Jury Prize: “Less Than 5gr of Saffron”, directed by Négar Motevalymeidanshah.
• Special VR Jury Mention: “Less Than 5gr of Saffron”, directed by Négar Motevalymeidanshah.
• Audience Award: “The Big Cube”, directed by Menghui Huang.

A Community United by Imagination

Beyond the accolades, the 24th edition of FICAM leaves behind a powerful collective momentum. It has successfully united a passionate community of young creators, veteran professionals, and animation enthusiasts around a shared ambition: inventing the visual stories of tomorrow.

The festival firmly solidifies its role as an essential bridge connecting education, industry, and pure creation, while simultaneously strengthening creative ties between Morocco, Africa, and the global animation scene.