Screenings, professional exchange, collaborative creation at FICAM

MEKNES - The International Animated Film Festival of Meknes (FICAM), organized by the Aïcha Foundation in partnership with the French Institute of Morocco in Meknes, continued its 24th edition this weekend amid a vibrant atmosphere of networking, reflection, and celebration of animated cinema.

Through screenings, professional dialogue, and moments of community, Meknes firmly asserted itself as a true crossroads for the industries and imaginations of the anime world.

A Forum at the Heart of Animation Industry Challenges

The Animation Film Careers Forum brought together students, professionals, studios, producers, and institutional figures for four conferences dedicated to the structural challenges of the sector:

"Moroccan Animation and the Reality of its Production Chain"

"Producers Facing the Challenges of Creative Youth"

"A Panorama of Funding Sources for Animated Short and Feature Films"

"Television Channels as a Launchpad for Animation"

Through these exchanges, FICAM confirms its role as a foundational platform for the animation ecosystem in Morocco and Africa, creating a space for direct dialogue connecting education, creation, and industry.

The speakers—renowned professionals from Morocco and abroad—shared their experiences and visions for the future in a constructive dynamic aimed at structuring the sector.

Short Films Take Center Stage in the International Competition

The International "Courts Compét’" (Short Film Competition) also set the rhythm for these past few days, featuring a lineup that launched this Saturday and will run through Tuesday. This selection highlights the richness of contemporary animation styles and cements FICAM's position as a space for discovering and promoting emerging international talent.

A Landmark Session with Michel Ocelot

A standout moment in the programming, FICAM hosted an exceptional session dedicated to Michel Ocelot's "Les Lapins 3 Oreilles" (The 3-Eared Rabbits), presented in an innovative format specially designed for the festival.

This experience allowed the audience to discover an original approach to animated storytelling, where the director's poetic universe unfolded through a reimagined projection setup. This encounter with Michel Ocelot's work offered a suspended moment of pure creation, confirming his major role in the history of animated film and his enduring passion for experimentation.

The FICAM Picnic: A Highly Anticipated Family Tradition

An iconic highlight of the festival, the FICAM Picnic once again gathered families, children, and festival-goers in the gardens of the French Institute of Meknes. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the public shared a relaxing afternoon centered around two unique screenings and a community lunch, staying true to the festival's spirit of accessibility and community.

This year's program featured a 3D screening of "Super Mario Galaxy", followed by the 2D film "Le secret des mésanges" (The Secret of the Tits), providing an accessible, fun, and intergenerational experience.

"Mint Tea With..." — The Connecting Thread of the Event

Throughout the weekend, the festival spaces were alive with insightful conversations over traditional mint tea—a hospitable moment that has become a true signature of FICAM. These casual dialogues allowed students, professionals, and guests to extend their debates and nurture shared reflections on the future of animated cinema.

A Dynamic of Outreach and Mentorship

In parallel with the screenings and professional meetings, the festival continues its cultural outreach and training programs for the public. FICAM thus continues to make Meknes beat to the rhythm of animation, building bridges between creation, mentorship, and industry.

FICAM: A Living Platform for the Future of Animation

Through this weekend rich in exchange, FICAM reaffirms its core mission: to support the structuring of the sector, champion young creatives, and strengthen the links between education and industry.

The festival continues until May 20, 2026, with many more screenings, panels, and events to come.