NFVF ANNECY 2026 SOUTH AFRICAN ANIMATION SHOWCASE CALL

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites final-year animation students to participate in an exclusive creative showcase at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival & MIFA 2026(France), the world's premier animation event, celebrating global animation innovation.

BACKGROUND

The NFVF is a statutory body mandated to drive equitable growth and skills development in the South African film and animation sectors. To elevate South African talent on the global stage, the NFVF will curate a selection of original student artwork and creative pitch concepts to be presented digitally at MIFA 2026, held in Annecy, France, 23-26 June 2026.

Brief - Voices of Change: Animation for Social Impact

Students are invited to create either:

1. Character Concept & Story Pitch

OR

2. A Short Animation Scene (5-8 seconds)

The work should explore themes of social impact, transformation, identity, community, or everyday South African stories, interpreted through animation. Submissions must demonstrate strong visual storytelling, originality, and a clear creative voice suitable for international audiences.

Note: The animation scene should be short and concise (5-8 seconds). Applicants are encouraged to focus on strong visual moments rather than extended narratives.

Submission Requirements

Format:

Digital submission

A4 landscape PDF or video file (MP4) for animations

High-resolution visuals (300 dpi or 1080p)

Deliverables:

For Character Concept & Pitch:

Character design sheets (front/back/expressions)

One-page written pitch (max 500 words) outlining story, theme, and impact

Optional mood board or environment thumbnails

For Short Animation Scene:

Animation clip (5 -8 sec, MP4)

One-page explanatory note (story context, artistic intent)

Eligibility:

South African citizens or permanent residents

Final-year students enrolled in animation, film, multimedia, or visual arts programmes

Registered at an accredited South African tertiary institution

Must have a valid passport, or provide proof that a passport application has been submitted

Required Documents

One-page motivation letter

Certified copy of South African ID or passport (valid + certified within 3 months)

Official academic transcript

Link to submitted works (WeTransfer/Google Drive/Dropbox)

A valid passport, or provide proof that a passport application has been submitted

NFVF Support & Benefits

Selected applicants will receive:

Festival accreditation for MIFA sessions

Return flight to Annecy, France

Accommodation (festival period)

Daily allowance

Showcase exposure on NFVF digital platforms and at MIFA

Note: Submission does not involve direct Annecy festival entry submission (e.g., for competition), but selected work will be showcased via NFVF's curated program during MIFA 2026 or at the official stand.

Submission Deadline

4 March 2026, at 17h00.

Submit Applications

Email: lebohang@nfvf.co.za

Tel: 011 483 0880

LINK:	https://www.nfvf.co.za/nfvf-annecy-2026-south-african-animation-showca...
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