Manga Productions Unveils Saudi Animation 'Henna'

Manga Productions has announced a new animated short film titled “Henna,” produced in collaboration with the Chinese platform Bilibili, in an unveiling made in June 2026 at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in Annecy, France. The project is described as the first co-produced animation between Bilibili and an Arab company.

The film tells the story of a young deaf girl who discovers her voice and expresses herself through the art of henna. Manga Productions presents the project as a reflection of Saudi identity and culture, and as part of its approach to culturally rooted storytelling that draws on local heritage and themes.

“Henna” is among the first outcomes of a strategic partnership signed in August 2025 between Manga Productions and Bilibili, covering content creation, production, and distribution. Announcing the project at one of the world’s leading animation festivals places Saudi creative work on an international stage.

Why it matters

For the community, the project signals the growing presence of Saudi storytelling in global animation. By centering its narrative on a deaf protagonist and the traditional art of henna, the film blends cultural identity with themes of self-expression and inclusion, offering a distinctly local perspective to audiences at home and abroad.

Further details on the release timeline and distribution have not yet been shared. Saudi Living will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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