Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) proudly announces Grenada’s representation at Annecy International Animation Festival and MIFA Market, the world’s premier animation festival.
Jassim Thomas, Robert Finlay and Alleyne Gulston, 3 talented creatives who participated in GOCA’s inaugural Animation Accelerator programme, facilitated in partnership with AnimaxFYB Studios, will travel to Annecy, France, to participate in the animation festival and MIFA Market.
“Grenada’s animation accelerator arriving at Annecy doesn’t read as a milestone to me, it reads as intent made visible. The depth and originality in the applications, rooted in Grenadian culture and imagination, prove that the creative foundation is already strong,” noted Francis Y Brown, founder and creative director of AnimaxFYB Studios. “What GOCA has initiated is exactly the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure needed, one that bridges local talent to global markets, accelerates learning, and embeds our storytellers within the international animation ecosystem. This is how industries are built, with intention, exposure, and the courage to scale culture beyond borders.”
“The diversity and calibre of the submissions GOCA received through the animation accelerator showcase the talent and potential of our Grenadian creatives. This is why we remain committed to strategically investing in our creatives and the overall creative ecosystem, which allows them to take advantage of these opportunities for international market access,” stated Orlando Romain, Advisor with responsibility for the Creative Economy. “I congratulate all the participants of the inaugural animation accelerator, and wish Jassim, Robert and Alleyne well as they prepare to represent Grenada at the Annecy International Animation Festival.”
Commenting on their selection to represent Grenada at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA Market, Thomas, Finlay and Gulston shared similar sentiments. “As a Grenadian creative, this opportunity means a great deal to me because it allows me to share stories inspired by our culture, folklore, and traditions with an international audience,” explained Thomas, whose project Isle of Tales will bring generations of Caribbean and Grenadian oral traditions to life. “I am excited to learn from industry professionals, connect with creators from around the world, and help showcase the richness of Caribbean storytelling through animation.”
“The Golden Nutmeg started as a vision driven by passion, creativity, and the desire to create something unique that represents the richness, mystery, and storytelling spirit of the Caribbean,” shared Finlay. “To now have the opportunity to have that vision acknowledged internationally is something I am extremely grateful for. What excites me most is the opportunity to immerse myself in one of the world’s most respected animation festivals, meet inspiring creatives from across the globe, and continue pushing the boundaries of Caribbean animation and storytelling as a Grenadian.”
Creator of Macee, Wha Go?, Gulston shared that being selected to represent Grenada at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA Market is both an honour and an exciting milestone in his creative journey. “As a graphic designer, visual artist, and illustrator, storytelling through visuals has always been at the heart of what I do, so having the opportunity to showcase a character concept I’ve carried with me for many years on such a prestigious international stage is incredibly rewarding. I’m especially grateful to the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs and AnimaxFYB for investing in local talent through initiatives such as the Toon Boom 2D Animation training, which encouraged me to take this next step. Annecy represents a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in animation, build meaningful connections, and gain valuable insight into the global industry.”
Gulston continued: “Most importantly, I am proud to stand alongside fellow Grenadian creatives as we share our talent, culture, and imagination with the world. Grenada may be a small island, but we have powerful stories to tell, unique perspectives to offer, and a rich creative spirit that deserves to be seen and celebrated. I hope our presence at Annecy helps showcase Grenada as a nation of storytellers, opens new doors for our creative industries, and inspires the next generation of artists and animators to believe that their ideas can reach audiences far beyond our shores.”
GOCA
