Casablanca – From May 15-20, Meknes International Animation Film Festival (FICAM) returns for its 24th edition, and this time, it’s not only about animation screenings, but also a little trip back to childhood memories.
Organized by the Aïcha Foundation in partnership with the French Institute of Morocco in Meknes, FICAM 2026 places the spotlight on youth and their role in shaping Morocco’s cultural scene under the theme “La jeunesse fait son cinéma d’animation.”
But this year’s edition comes with an extra layer of nostalgia. More than just a festival, it almost feels like a portal back to the afternoons spent singing cartoon openings a little too loudly, waiting for the next episode, or arguing over our favorite anime characters (and we still do.)
And honestly, paying tribute to Fayez Al Sabbagh makes perfect sense. But this tribute connects not only to the festival’s focus on youth and animation, but also to a collective childhood memory shared by an entire generation.
For many across Morocco and the Arab world, Spacetoon was never just a TV channel. It was part of the routine, part of growing up, and part of a whole generation’s shared memories.
From Captain Tsubasa (Captain Majid) and Detective Conan to Dragon Ball Z, Sali, and Remi, the channel built an entire universe that still lives rent-free in people’s heads years later.
Al Sabbagh first co-founded the Venus Centre dubbing studio in Damascus in 1991 before launching Spacetoon in 1997, helping shape a different era of Arab children’s entertainment through dubbed animation and youth-focused storytelling.
Today, he continues working in media and new-generation content as president of Global New Age Media, recently earning recognition as CEO of the Year at the ASBU BroadcastPro Middle East Awards.
So yes, animation may be the heart of FICAM, but this year, a little piece of childhood is clearly part of the program too.
Read also: How Spacetoon Shaped an Entire Generation
