The Caribbean island nation of Grenada is poised to step onto the global animation stage for the first time, with three of its homegrown creative talents set to showcase original, culture-driven projects at the Annecy International Animation Festival and MIFA Market — the world’s most prestigious gathering for animation professionals and storytellers.
The trio of artists — Jassim Thomas, Robert Finlay, and Alleyne Gulston — are all graduates of the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA)’s first-ever Animation Accelerator programme, an initiative developed in partnership with local animation studio AnimaxFYB Studios to nurture emerging creative talent and connect it to international opportunities.
For Francis Y Brown, founder and creative director of AnimaxFYB Studios, the moment marks far more than a simple milestone for the tiny island nation. Rather, it is a tangible demonstration of Grenada’s long-term commitment to building a sustainable creative economy. “This isn’t just a one-off appearance; it’s intentional investment made visible,” Brown explained. He pointed out that the depth and originality of the projects selected for the accelerator, all rooted in Grenada’s unique cultural heritage and local imagination, prove that a strong creative foundation already exists on the island. GOCA’s accelerator programme fills a critical gap, he added, by building the forward-thinking infrastructure that bridges local talent to global markets, speeds up skills development, and integrates local storytellers into the international animation ecosystem. “This is how enduring creative industries are built: through intentional investment, global exposure, and the courage to share our culture beyond national borders,” Brown said.
Orlando Romain, advisor overseeing Grenada’s creative economy portfolio, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the strength and diversity of submissions GOCA received for the inaugural accelerator programme highlight the untapped potential of the country’s creative sector. “This is why we remain committed to making strategic investments in our creatives and the broader creative ecosystem that supports them,” Romain said. “These investments open doors for our artists to access international markets and take their careers to the next level.” He extended congratulations to all participants of the first accelerator cohort, and offered special well wishes to Thomas, Finlay, and Gulston as they prepare to represent Grenada in France.
Each of the three selected animators is bringing a project that draws deeply from Grenadian and Caribbean cultural roots to share with the global audience at Annecy.
Thomas, whose project *Isle of Tales* will bring centuries of Grenadian and Caribbean oral storytelling traditions to animated life, said the opportunity carries profound personal and professional meaning. “As a Grenadian creative, this opportunity allows me to share stories inspired by our culture, folklore, and traditions with an international audience,” he explained. Thomas said he is eager to learn from top industry professionals, build connections with creators from across the globe, and highlight the unique richness of Caribbean storytelling through animation.
Finlay, the creator of *The Golden Nutmeg*, said his project began as a passion project driven by a desire to create something that captures the unique richness, mystery, and storytelling spirit of the Caribbean region. “To now have that vision acknowledged on an international platform is something I am extremely grateful for,” Finlay said. What excites him most, he added, is the chance to immerse himself in one of the world’s most respected animation industry gatherings, connect with inspiring creators from all corners of the globe, and continue pushing the boundaries of what Caribbean animation can achieve as a Grenadian artist.
Gulston, whose character-driven project *Macee, Wha Go?* has been years in the making, called his selection both a tremendous honor and a defining milestone in his creative career. A graphic designer, visual artist, and illustrator by trade, Gulston noted that visual storytelling has always been the core of his work. “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,” he said.
Gulston specifically credited GOCA and AnimaxFYB Studios for their investment in local talent through targeted training initiatives, including the Toon Boom 2D Animation training that gave him the skills to move his concept from an early idea to a showcase-ready project. Beyond professional growth, he said the trip to Annecy is an opportunity to stand alongside his fellow Grenadian creatives to share the island’s unique stories and perspectives 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,” Gulston said. He expressed hope that the trio’s appearance at Annecy will not only position Grenada as a emerging hub of creative storytelling but also open new professional doors for future generations of Grenadian artists, inspiring young creators to pursue their dreams and share their work with global audiences.
The Annecy International Animation Festival and MIFA Market is scheduled to bring thousands of animation professionals, studio executives, and independent creators from more than 100 countries together this year, offering emerging talent unmatched access to industry networks, distribution opportunities, and skill-building workshops.