The French Embassy in Nigeria has facilitated the participation of Nigerian animators at the 2023 Annecy Festival, a global festival widely regarded as the world’s foremost animation event.
The embassy said this was in demonstration of its unwavering support for the Nigerian film and creative industry.
The event, which was held from June 11 to 17, took place in Annecy, France.
The festival, which, according to a statement by the French Embassy on Wednesday, attracted industry professionals, enthusiasts, and talents from across the globe, has served as the ideal platform where animators can showcase their creativity, network and explore collaborations in the international market.
“Nigerian animators, many of whom have attended the festival for years, had the opportunity to meet minds with other creatives from around the world.
“This year, the French Embassy in Nigeria took its support for the Nigerian creative industry further by waiving visa fees, sponsoring flight tickets and providing accommodation for seven first-time attendees from Nigeria in a move designed to bring the best of Nigerian storytelling and creative prowess before a global audience.
“This significant move not only showcases the fruitful collaboration between Nigeria and France but also opens up new avenues for Nigerian talent to flourish on the global stage,” the statement said.
The Regional Audiovisual Attache of the French Embassy covering Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Togo, Christophe Pecot, expressed the desire of the French government to continue providing opportunities for Nigerian creatives to raise the bar while telling truly indigenous African stories to a global audience.
