Fez — The 24th edition of the Meknes International Animation Film Festival, known as “FICAM,” officially opened yesterday turning the imperial city into a meeting point for young animation talent from Morocco and beyond.
The festival is organized by Aïcha Foundation in partnership with the Institut français du Maroc à Meknès. This year’s edition runs from May 15 to 20 under the theme “La jeunesse fait son cinéma d’animation” (Youth Makes Its Animation Cinema).
The theme reflects a clear generational focus. Students, directors, producers, studios, professionals, and animation lovers are gathering for six days of screenings, masterclasses, workshops, immersive experiences, and industry conversations.
An opening focused on transmission
The opening ceremony brought together local officials and cultural figures, including Meknes Governor Abdelghani Sebbar, Fez-Meknes Regional Council President Abdelouahed El Ansari, and Meknes Prefectural Council President Hicham El Kaid.
Mohamed Messaoud, vice president of Aïcha Foundation, highlighted the festival’s long-standing commitment to training, image education, and support for emerging Moroccan and African talent.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Fayez Al-Sabbagh, founder and CEO of “Spacetoon,” for his contribution to youth-focused content and for shaping the imaginations of generations across the Arab world.
This year’s opening was designed as a celebration of emerging creativity, with a special focus on young artists who are reshaping visual languages, storytelling formats, and immersive experiences.
‘Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol’ opens the competition
The first feature film presented in the official competition was “Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol,” an animated film by Sylvain Chomet exploring the life and creative world of French writer, playwright, and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. Through this selection, FICAM continues to position animation as a space for both artistic ambition and emotional storytelling.
Training the next generation
Beyond screenings, the festival is also pushing forward its professional and educational mission. The fifth edition of the Animation Film Careers Forum will bring together students, studios, producers, and institutions around a central question: the relationship between training and employment in animation careers.
The festival is also strengthening its student pathway, giving young participants more opportunities to meet professionals, explore tools, and better understand the animation industry.
For younger audiences, the school program will offer educational workshops, school screenings, and image-literacy activities for pupils in Meknes and surrounding areas.
Meknes becomes a city of imagination
FICAM 2026 is not limited to theaters. The festival is also expanding across Meknes with open-air screenings, medina events, public encounters, and cultural activities designed to bring animation closer to residents.
The official FICAM Morocco program is also taking animation beyond Meknes, with screenings and events across the network of French institutes in Morocco from May 13 to 23.
