Malaysia takes homegrown animation studios to major festival in France
25 June 2026
Photo credit to Jakub Zerdzicki
Malaysia’s first-ever participation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market (MIFA) 2026, held in France from June 21 to 27, reflects its push to expand the global reach and commercial potential of its animation sector.
With the country targeting RM100 million (US$24.3 million) in investments and sales, Malaysia‘s attendance at one of the world’s largest animation festivals and markets is intended not only to showcase its animation capabilities but also to position locally developed intellectual properties for global commercialization. The projected returns are expected to come from co-production partnerships, IP licensing and distribution agreements, content investments, animation services, and foreign productions entering the country through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) programme.
The Ministry of Communications, through the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), is using MIFA as a platform to elevate Malaysian-created characters, stories and brands beyond domestic audiences. The participation of 11 Malaysian animation companies also reflects Malaysia’s efforts to promote locally developed animation IP and expand opportunities for international partnerships, distribution and licensing.
As global demand for original animated content continues to grow, intellectual property ownership is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage for creative industries worldwide. For Malaysia, the event also offers an opportunity to strengthen the international visibility of Malaysian-created intellectual property beyond immediate business deals.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional creative hub, demonstrating how governments and creative sectors are investing in intellectual property as a driver of economic growth, foreign investment and export competitiveness.
- Asia IP
