The 6th edition of Animatex concluded in Cairo after five days of screenings, industry conversations, and hands-on workshops that reaffirmed its position as the nation’s largest animation-focused gathering. Held at The American University in Cairo’s Tahrir Square campus, from February 11 to 15, 2026, the festival doubled as a landmark celebration of nearly a century of Egyptian animation, tracing the medium’s roots from 1936 back to the present day.

Founded in 2020 by Youhana Nassif and Samaka Studio, Animatex has steadily grown from a local gathering into a regional powerhouse for animators. The 2026 edition signaled both consolidation and expansion, featuring a robust international film competition, masterclasses led by globally recognized practitioners, and a broader emphasis on immersive media, youth engagement, and specialized "Midnight Screenings".

The festival’s thematic heart was a celebration of 90 years of Egyptian animation. This journey began in 1936 with Mish Mish Effendi, the iconic character created by the Frenkel brothers, which once rivalled Mickey Mouse in local popularity. This historical grounding was contrasted against masterclasses from modern industry titans.

Across five days, the festival hosted more than 200 short films and over 15 feature-length animations in its official selection. Screenings were complemented by panel discussions and keynote talks that addressed character animation, production pipelines, independent filmmaking, sound design, and storytelling craft.

Among the headline speakers was Mike Hollingsworth, known for his work on BoJack Horseman, who led sessions on short film production and storyboard critique, providing a deep dive into "Fish Out of Water". Animator Sara Matta, whose credits include Arcane, conducted a facial animation workshop focused on shot review and performance refinement. Other sessions explored visual style development, script development, and international distribution pathways—areas critical to emerging markets seeking global circulation.

The festival also maintained its educational commitment through workshops tailored to students and early-career animators, reinforcing its dual function as both showcase and training ground.

This year’s framing around “90 Years of Egyptian Animation (1936–2026)” situated contemporary practice within a longer historical continuum. By foregrounding this milestone, Animatex underscored a lineage often under-documented in mainstream film discourse, positioning Egypt not merely as a participant in global animation, but as a contributor with its own heritage and evolving aesthetic language.

Classic and contemporary works shared the programme slate, creating dialogue between early animation milestones and present-day experimentation. The curatorial decision reinforced the festival’s broader mission: to connect generations of creators while strengthening Egypt’s animation infrastructure.

Beyond the cinema screen, the festival functioned as an industry incubator. It featured an exhibitors’ zone, networking sessions, and interactive areas. Highlights included a dedicated VR film section and game area showcasing the convergence of traditional animation with interactive technology. Key sessions explored the "Between Women Filmmakers Caravan," focusing on the realities for female animators in the MENA region. And a dedicated children’s programme expanded audience reach with a joint talk by Tarek Al Arabi Tourgane and Tala Tourgane exploring the craft of children’s song production, followed by a live "Tourgane Tunes" concert. This reflected an understanding that industry growth depends on cultivating both creators and viewers from an early age.

By activating multiple campus spaces at AUC, including indoor halls and open-air gardens, the festival provided an environment that encouraged informal exchanges alongside structured programming. For many attendees, the value of Animatex extended beyond the auditorium: it functioned as a convergence point for studios, freelancers, students, and international guests.

Since its inception, Animatex has aimed to bridge Egypt’s animation scene with global networks. The presence of international speakers and films in competition this year signaled a continued effort to situate Cairo within broader animation circuits. At the same time, the emphasis on Egyptian history and local talent affirmed a strategic balance between outward engagement and inward consolidation.

Supported by the European Union and EUNIC Egypt, Animatex is no longer merely an "emerging" festival; it is a stabilizing force within North Africa’s animation ecosystem, actively shaping discourse, skills development, and cross-border collaboration. As the curtains close on its sixth edition, it bridged the gap between Cairo’s 1930s pioneers and today’s global pipelines, solidifying its role as the driving force for Egyptian animation on the world stage.

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