Latest news with #MIFA
Style Blueprint
09-08-2025
- General
- Style Blueprint
Tori Taylor on the Next Generation of Memphis Leaders, Her New Role at BRIDGES & More
Memphis-raised and deeply rooted in faith and family, Latoria 'Tori' Taylor holds a role at BRIDGES that is both strategic and deeply personal. A former Bridge Builders participant, she now leads the organization's philanthropic efforts as the Vice President of Development and Communications — amplifying the voices of Memphis youth who are not just dreaming of change but making it. Get to know this dedicated FACE of Memphis! Pin You're stepping into this role as someone who once stood in the shoes of the young people BRIDGES serves. What would your teenage self think of the woman you've become? Teenage Tori would be so proud of the woman I've become. I was still discovering my voice back then, but I always had a heart for people and a desire to serve. I didn't know what it would look like, but I knew I wanted to make a difference — whether that meant offering a helping hand, bringing joy to someone's day, or simply being present. What she wouldn't be surprised by is how much my faith has guided me. My journey into nonprofit work and fundraising wasn't something I planned, but it was part of God's plan. I walked into this work mindlessly at times, but boldly, because I trusted that I was being led to something greater. My faith is the foundation of how I lead, serve, and love people. Pin If you could bottle one lesson from your Bridge Builders experience and give it to every Memphis teenager, what would it be? Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially when you don't understand. As a teenager, I was often timid and hesitant to speak up. I'd hold back from asking 'why?' or sharing my perspective, even when I had something valuable to say. What I've learned over time is that asking questions isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength, curiosity, and growth. So I would encourage every young person to be bold, speak up respectfully, and not be afraid to say, 'I don't understand,' or 'Can you help me?' Whether you're in a classroom, at a job, or standing up for what you believe in, your voice matters, and asking questions is how you learn, connect, and lead. You've said that you stumbled into nonprofit work by accident. Tell us about that. Every time I share this story, I can't help but smile. It's a reminder of how beautifully God can lead you into your calling, even when you don't see it coming. I started my career at Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA), working in the Operations Department. One day, the Development team asked for volunteers to help with a fundraiser. I signed up for a two-hour shift, not knowing it would change the entire trajectory of my life. I had so much fun welcoming people and sharing MIFA's mission. Unknowingly, I was leaving an impression. A few weeks later, I was asked to join the Development team as the Development Coordinator. Before I knew it, I was promoted to Development Officer for Corporate Giving. From there, God opened the next door, which would shape me in ways I couldn't imagine: a position at the National Civil Rights Museum. It was fundraising on a new level, and I was challenged and empowered. I found myself using my voice to raise money for an institution that honored an era pivotal to my very freedom — an era that made it possible for me to be in rooms where my voice should be heard. Was there an 'aha' moment when you realized this was more than just a job? One unforgettable moment happened during my time at the National Civil Rights Museum. I had the privilege of leading a private tour for some incredible guests, including Angela Bassett, Hill Harper, and a few others. Watching their faces as they moved through the exhibits — feeling the weight of the history, asking thoughtful questions, and hugging me afterward — was surreal. In that moment, I realized the power of storytelling and connection, and that fundraising is not just about raising money but also about preserving legacy and inspiring change. We often hear about 'the next generation of leaders.' What do you think this generation is teaching us about leadership? This generation is teaching us that leadership doesn't have to look like it always has. And honestly, I love that. I like to say I'm Gen Z at heart! I still need my paper and pen sometimes, but I've learned to embrace how technology and creativity shape how we lead, learn, and connect. Today's young leaders value tradition, but they're not bound by it. They're showing us that less can be more, that trends — when used with intention — can be powerful tools for storytelling, movement-building, and connection. They're challenging us to diversify how we show up, communicate, and build community. What's something about Memphis that gives you hope? What gives me hope about Memphis is the good: the beauty, brilliance, and resilience that make the city such a gem. From the music and food to the deep-rooted history and rich diversity, there's nowhere else like it. It saddens me when we allow the bad to overshadow all the powerful, positive things happening here every single day. What inspires me most is the historical faith woven into the fabric of Memphis. From its churches and civil rights legacy to how communities show up for each other, faith has always anchored this city. That kind of spiritual and cultural strength gives me hope. Switching gears a little, what's one thing about you that would surprise your colleagues? Four of my closest friends and I have a podcast called SistaStory. You can check us out on YouTube Live every Monday at 6:30 p.m. CST. We are taking a summer break, but we will be back in the fall. Oh! I don't like sweet tea, and I just learned the mixture of lemonade and tea is called an Arnold Palmer. I thought it was 'armour-palmer'… don't laugh! What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten? You are entitled to make mistakes. That's the only way you will learn! Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can't live without? My Saturday mornings watching Good Times, butter pecan ice cream, and a good manicure and pedicure.
Morocco World
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Crossing the Line: Israeli Lobbyist's Dangerous Campaign Against Moroccan Diplomat
Marrakech – A recent article published on JFEED, a platform that describes itself as covering 'the latest news from Israel and the Jewish world,' represents nothing short of diplomatic blackmail against Morocco and a calculated assault on its diplomatic sovereignty, directly targeting the country's ambassador to the United States. The inflammatory piece, authored by Mustapha Ezzarghani, who identifies as the Founder and President of The Moroccan-Israeli Friendship Association (MIFA), carries the provocative title: 'Does an Anti-Semitic Family Represent Morocco in DC?' The article levels unconscionable accusations against Ambassador Youssef El Amrani and his wife, writer and physician Asma Lamrabet. Ezzarghani claims the ambassador has 'failed to deliver meaningful results for Moroccan diplomacy' and alleges that under El Amrani's leadership, 'the Moroccan Embassy in Washington no longer maintains the open-door policy it once had for Jewish organizations and groups promoting ties between Morocco and Israel.' More alarmingly, the article directly accuses both the ambassador and his wife of harboring 'anti-Israeli sentiments and anti-Semitic views,' a particularly damaging allegation in the American political landscape where such accusations can effectively end careers. The timing of this attack is particularly noteworthy – and transparently opportunistic. Ezzarghani frames his criticism within the context of Trump's return to the White House and what he describes as a 'unique opportunity for Morocco to strengthen its strategic ties with the US and Israel.' By doing so, he attempts to pressure Morocco into submitting to external influence over its diplomatic corps – an act that constitutes nothing less than foreign interference in Morocco's internal affairs. Most egregiously, Ezzarghani has the audacity to declare that El Amrani's appointment represents a 'critical misstep' that could cause Morocco to 'miss out on a moment of particularly strong geopolitical possibilities.' This maneuver effectively presumes to dictate who should represent the kingdom in Washington, constituting an unacceptable intrusion into matters that fall exclusively within Morocco's sovereign domain. Article 55 of the Moroccan Constitution clearly states that ambassadors are appointed by the King. As such, an attack on a Moroccan ambassador is, by extension, an attack on the highest authority in the country. What appears at first glance to be merely an opinion piece reveals itself upon closer examination to be a systematic attempt at diplomatic and moral assassination. The target is not just Ambassador El Amrani and his wife, but the entire Moroccan model of diplomacy and the kingdom's sovereignty in making independent diplomatic appointments. The accusations collapse under the slightest scrutiny Contrary to the narrative being pushed, the ambassador – since his appointment in October 2023 – has actively engaged in symbolic and high-level activities celebrating Moroccan Jewish heritage within the American Jewish community. His record of outreach contradicts any implication of disengagement. He attended the 'Hilloula' celebration in Florida, where he spoke about the strong ties between the Moroccan Jewish community and their original country, bringing to light the 'royal care' for the Hebraic component of Moroccan identity. El Amrani also attended the 'Mimouna' celebration in Washington, an occasion celebrating Jewish-Islamic coexistence, where he delivered speeches stressing Morocco's unique traditions in cultural and religious diversity. In a seminar organized by a major Jewish coalition just this past May, El Amrani stated that 'Morocco teaches the Holocaust in its school curricula.' That statement, regardless of its precise accuracy, demonstrates a diplomat fully aware of what Jewish memory means in American political culture. The allegations against Asma Lamrabet are equally outrageous. This respected intellectual, a member of the Academy of the Kingdom – Morocco's highest cultural institution – is known for advocating reformist readings of Islamic texts and defending women's rights in international scientific forums. Her intellectual and cultural activities are filled with events and dialogues with various religions. She was even behind communications with the first Jewish 'female rabbi,' the French 'Pauline Bebe,' convincing her to engage with Morocco. To label such a figure 'anti-Semitic' based on her humanitarian concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza represents intellectual dishonesty of the highest order. Morocco's representatives must not merely accept Israel but actively 'love' it? However, the article's most alarming feature lies not in its content alone but in what it reflects: a growing audacity among certain advocacy circles to intervene in Morocco's internal decision-making, impose loyalty tests, and exploit accusations of anti-Semitism as political weapons. Particularly insidious are the efforts to attribute to the ambassador's spouse personal views and actions that have no bearing on the ambassador's official duties. The article goes further by warning of potential reputational harm to Morocco in US media and congressional circles. In the American political context, accusations of anti-Semitism are particularly insidious. Such charges function as career-destroying weapons. When such allegations are made by a Moroccan citizen against another Moroccan diplomat, observers warn it constitutes public blackmail and an attempt to weaponize US discourse for personal or political ends. Ezzarghani, who positions himself as a civil society figure, is also the public face of MIFA – a lobbying entity operating in Washington. His attack, according to sources, stems from personal disappointment – reportedly due to not receiving an invitation to the Moroccan embassy's Throne Day celebration this year – rather than any substantive concern for national policy. Launched under the guise of advocacy, this campaign has been described by analysts as a soft coup attempt on Moroccan diplomatic sovereignty – executed through media articles and extended via back-channel pressure. It sends a dangerous message: normalization with Israel is no longer sufficient; Morocco must now demonstrate affection, or risk being defamed and accused of bigotry. Such a message has serious implications. According to analysts, targeting Morocco's ambassador in this way risks eroding national consensus around foreign policy by subjecting it to the whims of external lobbies operating from Washington and Tel Aviv. It seeks to force the kingdom into a position where it must present its credentials daily to a Moroccan-Zionist lobby in Washington – one that views Morocco not as an equal partner, but as a subordinate extension or mere backyard of Israel's strategic interests. This episode has therefore become more than a personal attack. It is a warning bell. Those who tolerate the humiliation of their representatives under the guise of 'protecting national interests' may soon wake up to find that Morocco's very decision-making apparatus has been compromised. Observers note that the promoters of slogans like 'We are all Israelis' have effectively positioned themselves as ideological enforcers in Washington, condemning not just official policy but personal thoughts, social media posts, and even unspoken beliefs that fail to enthusiastically glorify Israel's actions – particularly in Gaza. JFEED, the platform publishing this attack, was established recently in 2023 by a right-wing religious Zionist named Eli Kutilf. It targets English-speaking Jewish communities, with most of its editors based in America and Israel, and adopts a fanatical biblical vision promoting what they call the right of Jews to establish Greater Israel. The case raises broader questions about freedom of thought. As some commentators have pointed out, Washington – long seen as a city founded on the principles of liberty and protected by the First Amendment in a land that has prided itself on freedom for nearly 250 years – now risks becoming a space where opinions, posts, or even beliefs that fail to conform to pro-Israel orthodoxy are met with public condemnation. Ultimately, Morocco's diplomatic sovereignty is non-negotiable. Efforts to undermine it through intimidation or media manipulation must be recognized for what they are: a challenge to the kingdom's right to independently manage its foreign affairs, free from external coercion. Read also: Ambassador Youssef Amrani Says War on Gaza Has Frozen Cooperation Between Arab Countries, Israel
Broadcast Pro
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Animotion Media Group debuts animated series ‘Shooting Stars' at Annecy
With 26 x 11' episodes planned, the series has global reach and transmedia potential. Animotion Media Group debuted its newest animated series, Shooting Stars, at the Annecy Animation Festival (MIFA). The UAE-based studio, known for its focus on family-friendly content, promises an explosive mix of action, comedy, and empowerment with this girl-centered series that aims to resonate with girls aged 8 to 12. Shooting Stars follows the lives of five spirited high school girls — Netty, Cath, Eva, Mia and Naomi — who bond over their shared love for football. While they dominate on the field, their everyday teenage struggles remain real and relatable. Their world takes an extraordinary turn when a meteor crash lands on their football field, granting them mysterious superpowers. What begins as regular team practice quickly morphs into high-stakes battles against strange monsters, as the girls juggle their new dual lives as both athletes and unlikely superheroes. The series dives deep into themes of identity, self-confidence, and resilience, showing the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a world that often underestimates girls. With humor, heart, and high-octane adventure, the show explores how each girl's unique power reflects her personality — from Eva's unbreakable strength to Cath's lightning-quick instincts, and Netty's razor-sharp intellect. These differences become their greatest strength as they learn that real power lies in diversity and unity. Julia Nikolaeva, General Manager at Animotion and the producer behind the project, said: 'Shooting Stars is about more than superpowers and soccer goals — it's about strength, resilience, and identity. We wanted to make a show that feels real for today's Gen Alpha — a world where girls can be everything: athletes, dreamers, leaders, heroes. With Shooting Stars, we're holding a mirror up to girls and saying: 'You can be powerful just as you are.' With 26 episodes of 11 minutes each, Shooting Stars is designed with international audiences in mind. Packed with humor, fast-paced storytelling, dazzling transformations, and powerful match sequences, the series stands as a fresh take on inclusive entertainment. It also boasts strong transmedia potential, ensuring its reach goes far beyond the small screen. Following in the footsteps of Animotion's globally successful titles like The Fixies, Tina & Tony, BabyRiki, and Finnick, this latest venture is poised to break boundaries — both in storytelling and in representation. Shooting Stars is not just about scoring goals; it's about defying expectations, breaking stereotypes, and creating a new playbook for what girls in animation can be.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sentient Acorns, Badass Grandmas and Underwater Knights Feature Among MIFA's 2025 Feature Pitches
Annecy Animation Festival is filled with unmissable events, ranging from global premieres to niche boutique screenings. Near or at the top of that list are the MIFA Pitches, showcasing what indie directors and producers from all over the world have planned for the future of animation. An event carefully monitored by nearly every Annecy attendee, the sessions have more often than not proven to be the birthplace of true animated gems. More from Variety Key Latin America Animation Titles to Come Under the Spotlight at Annecy-MIFA's La Liga Focus 'Edmond and Lucy' Returns With Season 2 From MIAM! Animation: Feature Adaptation in Development Netflix Shares 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85,' 'In Your Dreams' First Looks in Annecy Initially split into four categories—feature Films, Short Films, TV Series & Specials, and Immersive Experiences—MIFA's 40th birthday also celebrates the addition of a fifth category dedicated to animated documentaries. In the Feature Films category, twelve film projects were selected this year at MIFA from no less than 201 candidates. Pitching at MIFA, where teams have ten minutes to dazzle potential partners, distributors, investors, sales agents and broadcasters alike, can prove tremendously valuable for such projects. Michel Ocelot's 1998 groundbreaking feature 'Kirikou and the Sorceress' was pitched at MIFA in 1991, while 'Heirloom,' an Indian feature presented last year in the same event, is now part of the Work-in-progress session, backed by a German co-producer. Last but not least, a Latvian cat created by indie director turned Oscar-winner Gints Zilbalodis was presented at the MIFA pitches back in 2021. Four years later, 'Flow' wrote a new chapter in European animation history. Here are our picks for five projects that stood out from this year's selection. What if children's animation was crafted by the children themselves? This idea drove director Filip Mašek to create 'Acorn's Adventure,' a smashingly beautiful CG project with forest characters designed by the daring imaginations of nature-loving children. Quido, a boy made of acorns, appears in Resinland, a village hidden deep in the forest where everyone seems to have a predefined purpose except for him. Suddenly, the village 's vital resource, resin, comes under attack from an unknown ring of thieves. So, Quido declares himself the hero and sets off on an epic mission to save the village along with daredevil race-driver wannabe Mary. Quirky characters such as posh champagne-cork Mayor or chestnut odd-looking villagers populate the luscious project, which has been built so far under the careful scrutiny of — you guessed it — children. 'This story is about acceptance and finding who you are', explained Mašek. As a teenager and Boy Scout leader, he was always amazed to see what stories children could create with twigs and acorns. Bringing this story to life with the same elements and the same energy resonated with him as well as Annecy's audience. Using Unreal Engine and Blender technology mixed with cutting-edge photogrammetry and motion-capture, the Czech-German co-production brings a teaser to Annecy, along with a second draft of the script. The project is looking for co-producers, broadcasters, investors and sales opportunities. Co-producer Kristina Husová concluded that their main goal was to foster this creativity and imagination. 'Our main wish is that children will run from the screening straight to the forest and use their limitless imagination to create their own 'Acorn's Adventures.' Annie/Emmy-nominated Shofela Coker ('Kizazi Moto: Moremi') and Nadia Darries ('Star Wars Visions: Aau's Song') dazzled Annecy's audience of professionals with 'Mami Wata,' a South-African 2D-CG hybrid animated feature film bringing forth the West African folk tale of Mami Wata. When the ancient water goddess threatens her town, Roukia, a silenced musician, must reclaim her voice to break a generational curse and save herself and her family. Describing their project as a 'thriller and a classic monster tale with a love story at its heart,' directors Coker and Darries blend their experience working in high-end environments with Nigerian and Southwestern African visual style to create what promises to be a gripping feature. Music, a key element within their project, will take the viewers from afro-beats to traditional Nigerian music, from afro-funk to modern dance. As a musical storyteller, Roukia focuses on the healing capacity of music and dance. 'Crocodile Dance' is currently in development and comes to Annecy looking for gap financing, co-producers, sales and distribution. Impressive character design and powerful animatics show true expertise of the directors' duo backed by South African Lucan Studio and Nigerian Coker Coop. Concluding their pitch, directors Coker and Darries emphasized Roukia's path to understanding her fear will be key in this narrative. 'Rather than slay the dragon with sword, fear and might, one might instead move like water and learn to dance with it, for fear does not trouble the sea.' Belgian veteran production company Vivi Film ('Les Triplettes de Belleville,' 'The Secret of Kells,' 'Titina') and Brussels-based Studio Souza presented 'Dreamwalker.' The project, which had already been showcased at Cartoon Movie, Europe's biggest co-production forum for animated films, follows Lucy, a lively 11-year-old girl who loves skating, water ballet and hanging out with her best friends. Everything changes when she starts suffering from a rare sleep disorder called narcolepsy. To prevent accidents from happening, her parents become very protective, limiting her freedom. As her condition turns even the simplest of everyday actions into a painful challenge, she starts to grow apart from her friends while trying to figure out who the mysterious nameless boy is who keeps appearing to her in her dreams. The teams' expertise shines in this lush 2d animated project, of which Director Rudi Mertens and producer Veerle Appelmans unveiled a teaser and dashing animation tests. In this heartfelt story about friendship, Lucy will learn to embrace her condition and find new meaning. With a finalized script, rough pre-boards, beautiful character designs and striking backgrounds, the production has already received development grants from Flanders Audiovisual Fund. Again relying on their teams' solid knowledge of the European animation landscape, Vivi Film has detailed plans to share for a 3-country co-production scheme and is looking for partners, international sales agents and distributors. Miyu Productions — which boasts two films in Annecy's feature competition this year, 'Death Does Not Exist' and 'Dandelion's Odyssey' — returns to MIFA pitches with Simon Rouby's second feature. Nine years after his directorial debut film 'Adama' won two prizes at Annecy, Rouby presented, with producer and long-time friend Emmanuel-Alain Raynal, a CG project aimed at family audiences, which Rouby described as 'Red Riding Hood in the Himalayas.' An idea that has followed him since he had to retell his own version of the known folk tale as part of his Gobelins/CalArts training, Rouby was lucky enough to accompany a geological expedition in the famed mountain range. 'Where I would just see rocks, those geologists saw a story,' explained Rouby, recalling a trip that allowed him to infuse his story with realism, capturing the essence of those rocky landscapes and remote villages. 'Pangea' tells the story of Chesa, a young girl who can predict earthquakes. After one of them weakens her village, she leaves to seek help from her grandmother, who lives as a hermit in the mountains. As she searches for the origins of her power, Chesa discovers that the earth is shaking because of the Dark Teeth, a landless people who feed on anthracite. Driven by their ever-increasing hunger, they dig into the earth and accelerate continental drift, threatening the world Chesa and her grandmother are striving to protect. Rouby's and Miyu's expertise combine in what appears as a solid project, with impressive visuals and a striking teaser that ravished Annecy's audience. The project, already backed up by the CNC and several regional funds for its development, is looking for additional partners. 'The Sunken Knight' opened the day's second pitching session with an animated bang. In a medieval village where children are forbidden to go near the sea, 10-year-old Anna forms an unlikely duo with her whimsical, mysterious grandmother. Together, they venture deep under the ocean to retrieve Anna's no-good younger brother Malo, kidnapped by the terrible Sunken Knight. Along the way, the duo will uncover the secrets of the lost city of Ys, a mysteriously submerged town somehow connected to Anna's past. Visual artist and comic book author Sébastien Cosset helms this promising French project backed by L'Incroyable Studio ('Bergères Guerrières,' 'Draw for Change'). A feature that can also count on talents such as acclaimed French screenwriter Fabien Velhmann, artistic duo Kerascoët ('Tobie Lolness') and both cute and funny animatics created by Oscar-nominated director Benjamin Renner, who also storyboards the project. An adventure-filled project with a strong visual identity and dazzling concept art, 'The Sunken Knight' amazed Annecy's audience with its distinct palette and lovable characters. The duo of Anna and her grandmother forms a perfect balance between the old woman's quirkiness and the young girl's down-to-earth approach. In bringing the viewers into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, the team also manages to underline how important it is to preserve marine life today. A definite highlight of this year's roundup, 'The Sunken Knight' already has a full treatment and is looking for co-producers, distributors and broadcasters to board this one-of-a-kind project. Selecting five projects from the twelve features proved extremely difficult, as each had its own specific identity. All the films' primary information remains available on Annecy's website, and we encourage investors, broadcasters, and producers to dive deeper into this year's powerful line-up. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association's "2nd Future Animation - AI-Assisted Animation Production Support Scheme"
Support 6 Local Companies in Using AI Technology to Assist in Animation Production Showcases at Annecy Festival and Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA) 2025 HONG KONG, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Organised by the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the "2nd Future Animation – AI-Assisted Animation Production Support Scheme" ("2nd Future Animation" Scheme) is a pioneering initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence ("AI") into animation production. This year, the scheme has allocated over HK$5 million to support six selected local companies, each receiving up to HK$850,000 in subsidies and expert guidance to apply Artificial intelligence tools in creating original animated works. The goal is to explore AI's capabilities in original animation produced in Hong Kong, drive innovation, and open up new business opportunities. HKDEA once again sets up the "Hong Kong Pavilion (MIFA)" at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA 2025 in France. From 10th to 13th June 2025, the six companies selected under the "2nd Future Animation" Scheme showcase their AI-assisted original animations at MIFA, demonstrating the creativity and production strengths of Hong Kong Companies to the global market. The six local companies selected under the "2nd Future Animation" Scheme are honoured to participate in the prestigious event. The opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Pavilion (MIFA)", organized under the scheme, took place on 10th June 2025, bringing together industry leaders and international guests, including Mrs Lowell CHO, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries to celebrate the convergence of Hong Kong's creative animation and AI technologies. During the 4-day exhibition of the "Hong Kong Pavilion (MIFA)", the six selected companies under the scheme engage and exchange ideas with animation enterprises from around the world. In addition, the "Hong Kong Partner Pitches" held on 11th June 2025 offer these companies a valuable opportunity to present their projects to international industry professionals and investors, aiming to foster overseas collaboration and attract investment opportunities. This participation also allows them to broaden their horizons and showcase the innovation and creativity of Hong Kong's animation industry to the international market. As one of the most historic and largest international animation festivals, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA 2025 has been highly regarded by professionals worldwide. A series of activities takes place this year in Annecy, France from 8th to 14th June 2025, including 4-day MIFA which is a significant annual trade fair for the animation industry, held from 10th to 13th June 2025. The "2nd Future Animation" Scheme sets up the "Hong Kong Pavilion (MIFA)" at the MIFA to help Hong Kong's animation industry explore new business opportunities. Details of the Hong Kong Pavilion's Exhibition, Opening Ceremony and the "Hong Kong Partners Pitches" at the "Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA 2025" are as follows: Exhibition at Hong Kong Pavilion (MIFA)Date: 10th to 13th June 2025Time: Start from 9:00am Hong Kong Pavilion (MIFA)'s Opening CeremonyDate: 10th June 2025 (Tuesday)Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm (Including networking cocktail party)Venue: Stand C.42, MIFA, Annecy Festival Hong Kong Partners PitchesDate: 11th June 2025 (Wednesday)Time: 2:00pm – 3:15pmVenue: Berlioz Room, 3rd Floor, Impérial Palace For more information about the Hong Kong Pavilion (MIFA) at the "Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA 2025", please visit the website: "2nd Future Animation – AI-Assisted Animation Production Support Scheme" In today's fast-paced world, people can leverage AI as a tool to significantly enhance work efficiency, enabling them to produce works in better quality with limited resources. Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA) aims to support the industry in seeking breakthroughs and fostering innovation in animation production through the "2nd Future Animation" Scheme. By exploring and applying AI's potential in assisting animation production, the scheme seeks to nurture exceptional works and open up new business opportunities. Building on the remarkable achievements of the first scheme, the "2nd Future Animation" Scheme received an overwhelming response, with numerous qualified applications. The judging committee conducted rigorous assessments and interviews based on creativity and originality, design and artistic quality, storytelling ability/visual impact, as well as the companies' track record, capacity to produce the proposed work, technical capability of mastering AI on production, and commitment to the program. Ultimately, six local companies were selected to receive subsidy. The "2nd Future Animation" Scheme provides comprehensive support to the six selected local companies, helping them enhance their animation production capabilities and develop AI application technologies. Each selected company is granted a maximum subsidy of HK$850,000 to produce a 15-20 minutes long animation work assisted by AI. In addition, the companies receive expert mentoring, allocating two interns from relevant institutions, and access to training on AI-related legal risks, intellectual property, the latest AI tools and trends, as well as experience-sharing seminars. List of six selected companies of "2nd Future Animation – AI-Assisted Animation Production Support Scheme" (arranged in alphabetical order by company name) Company Names Work Title Animation Synopsis 924 Studio Limited Kill Danny 1999 This is a short animation firm named: kill Danny 1999. Which is the third part of the Kill Danny trilogy, a Hong Kong Action-comedy themed IP. The studio aimed to play tribute to the golden-era of Hong Kong film art and recreate the genre, with the world of Kill Danny. The story is about Iron-Fist enjoying his morning with his beloved dog, Popo. Some strange visions kept running though his head…when he woke up, he saw his dog had been hit by a car…And he started his journey of revenge, with his new got power…however, was everything just simply a coincidence? Astro Heart Limited The Dream of Helena This is a story about Helena chasing her dream. A chance discovery in the library sparks her interest in astronomy. Despite her efforts, she faces social challenges and unfair treatment. How will she overcome obstacles and find the strength to move forward? Free D Workshop Roboy The story is set at the edge of a vast desert, where a grumpy mechanic is thrust into a chaotic adventure when a nuclear-powered robot crash-lands at his repair station and a stranded rescue team member commandeers his vehicle for an urgent mission. Joined by a magnetic robot with a mysterious past, this misfit team must navigate treacherous forests, unravel the secrets of a catastrophic power station shutdown, and overcome bizarre challenges—from malfunctioning machines to personal conflicts. With its blend of humor, striking visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, this high-voltage adventure sparks an unforgettable journey of growth and unexpected friendships. ManyMany Creations Ltd Nine The story is about the main character waking up on time, starting work on time, leaving the office on time, having meals on time, and going to sleep on time. He works in a micro space station on a tiny moon orbiting a mega planet—day after day, night after night. Is it real? Is it life? He never thinks about questions like these—until she shows up. She wants to disrupt his routine. She tries to short-circuit him. Why does she want to do that? Can she succeed in saving him from this loop? Morph Workshop Silili & Tree The desire for balance seems to be a fundamental aspect of our nature, deeply rooted in our genes… Silili & Tree is a story delving into the idea of balance—not just for individuals, but also for communities and the wider world. By seeking balance, Silili harnesses the power of frequency and resonance to embark on a transformative journey toward becoming a tree spirit. From the moment she left her mother tree, she—like the other elves—was searching for an ideal to become. However, she didn't realize that her journey had inadvertently harmed one tree while saving the plants of an entire island... Stepc Depths of Light The story is about what happens when matter collides, light is born—but what kind of light? What form will it take? These are not choices we can make... For details about "2nd Future Animation – AI-Assisted Animation Production Support Scheme", please visit our website: About Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA)Established in 1999, HKDEA is a non-profit organisation aiming to promote digital entertainment development in Hong Kong. Its mission points toward the achievement of the following goals - boosting prosperity of the digital entertainment industry by fostering cooperation among local developers; opening up and development of digital market; enhancement of local technology so as to raise the competitiveness of Hong Kong production; promoting communication between digital entertainment industry and other related industries such as toys, entertainment and visual games; building a favourable image for digital entertainment; and protection of intellectual property rights and scrapping counterfeit products. For more information, please visit HKDEA's website at About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia's creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong's positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. CCIDA's website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
