Alliance Ethio-Française of Addis Ababa
(Habesha Creative Lab) (ETH)
Context
The Road to Annecy 2026 – East Africa edition is a flagship initiative supported by the French Embassy in Kenya and delivered in partnership with Alliance Française Kampala, the Habesha Creative Lab (ETH), Hub @ Alliance (KE), the Association of Animation Artistes Kenya (KE), and MIFA Annecy (FR).
The animation industry in East Africa is young and vibrant, yet the sector faces challenges such as limited distribution channels, fragmented networks, and a lack of market-readiness skills.
The programme aims to address those challenges by empowering up to 9 east-african animation studios with a unique opportunity to attend the world’s largest animation market, in Annecy (France), between June 23rd and 26th, connecting them to global industry networks, and promoting collaboration across the region.
Programme’s objectives
- Facilitate access to international markets & buyers for up to 9 East-African animation studios via a participation to MIFA in June 2026
- Provide 5 selected studios a pitching opportunity at MIFA, and a short pitch readiness training
- Promote regional collaborations across East Africa.
What’s offered
Accreditation and exhibition booth at Annecy Film Festival & Market for up to 9 animation studios (Annecy, 23rd-26th June 2026): a unique opportunity to attend MIFA, world’s biggest market for animation professionals, together with fellow East-African animation studios founders and directors Pitching opportunity at MIFA for 5 selected projects: a unique pitching opportunity in front of a panel of international animation professionals, distributors and buyers Pitching prep International transportation for the 5 pitching studios Accommodation in Annecy throughout the market Visa facilitation through the French cultural network
What’s not included
Per diems, for any participant International transportation, beside the 5 studios selected for pitching. Please note that while 5 studios will be selected to pitch at MIFA and receive support for international transportation and accommodation, the programme also allows up to 4 additional East African animation studios to participate in the Annecy Festival and MIFA market. These studios will receive accreditation and access to the shared exhibition booth, and accommodation but international travel costs will not be covered.
Eligibility
Studios must be based in one of the following East African countries: Kenya, Ouganda, Ethiopia
Applicants must be an active and formalised animation studio
Applicants must commit to participate to all phases of the program (pitch prep, pitching, festival & market).
At least one team member must hold a valid passport and be able to travel to France in June 2026. This person must also be in their country of residence from April 15th to May 31st to facilitate the visa application process.
Applicants must have a pitch ready project for an original feature or series currently in development and have previously completed an original IP.
Calendar
27th March 2026: Applications open
12th April 2026: Deadline for applications
17th April 2026: Finalist interview
24th April 2026: Selected studios are announced
29th April 2025:Virtual onboarding session
1st – 31st May 2026: Visa application to France
1st May – 15th June 2026: Virtual pitching sessions prep + Mentorship
21st-26th June 2026: MIFA / Annecy (exhibition, meetings, pitches, etc.)
Obligations of selected participants
- Full participation in all program phases.
- Submission of a final narrative report after project completion, by the end of July 2026.
- Engagement in mentorship sessions and showcase events.
- Active communication around their selection to the programme, and during their presence at Annecy/MIFA on their social networks (a minimum of 3 posts including visuals is expected). Further guidance will be provided to the participants on those aspects.
Selection criteria
Applications will be evaluated by a jury of experts based on:
- Creative merit and artistic originality.
- Market potential and clarity of vision.
- Feasibility and readiness of the studio/team.
- Presentation quality
- Regional representation
Application Process
Interested studios must fill out the following the following application form on or before Sunday, April 12th 2026, midnight.
Remark: please kindly note that incomplete applications, or applications submitted passed this deadline will be automatically disqualified.
A question?
Send an email to: info@animationkenya.co.ke AND maurice.chapot@diplomatie.