Storytelling School unveils Wonder Box of Narration, shadow play
Heritage library of stories
The first thing that greets visitors at the International School of Storytelling's corner is its heritage library, crowned with the slogan: A Thousand and One Tales Await Their Storytellers. Here, folklore enthusiasts—whether poets, writers, or children themselves—are invited to immerse in the narratives. The storytelling team, composed of Reem Al-Suwaidi, Khadija Al-Mazmi, Zainab Al-Alyani, and Najma Bin Bu Ali, gathers children with love, fostering in them the values of their ancestors through the timeless art of storytelling.
Tales and traditions
The library shelves of the International Storytelling School hold an array of captivating tales, including
Um Al-Subyan
,
Unity is Strength
,
Baba Zayed
,
The Tale of the World Book Capital
,
Baba Sultan
,
Mother's Milk
,
Nawaf Al-Jallaf
, and
I Will Hunt My Breakfast
, among other collections that seamlessly weave together folklore, proverbs, traditional tales, jewelry, cuisine, and adornment customs.
Notable storytelling sessions
One of the school's notable storytelling sessions featured the talented reader Fatima Ali Al-Zarouni, a promising writer with several published works, including
A Planet Without Ideas
,
A World of Peace, But!
, and
Faheem the Wise, But!
. She took her place among the narrators of
A Thousand and One Tales
, enchanting young listeners with her unique storytelling style. Her engaging sessions brought to life stories such as
Two Heroic Leaders: Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid
and
Hamdan and the Palm Tree
—a tale of a boy whose love for cycling eventually leads to a deep appreciation for palm trees.
Rich programme of activities
The International Storytelling School's program extends beyond traditional narration. Visitors to the Sharjah Heritage Days will be delighted with an array of enriching experiences, including puppet and doll storytelling, an exploration of the power of voice in traditional narratives, hologram storytelling, interactive sessions, and specialized workshops that transform folktales into artistic images and expressive paintings. With a variety of engaging and joyful activities, the storytelling journey continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
01-05-2025
- Gulf Today
New UAEBBY board empowers Emirati women, says Bodour
As part of its participation in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2025, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) announced the formation of its new advisory board, in an initiative underscoring its ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati women and expanding their role in shaping the future of the board's projects and initiatives. This strategic step also aims to leverage the diverse expertise of the new board members to broaden the organisation's local and international partnerships and to further elevate the standing of children's literature within the Arab and global cultural landscapes. The newly formed advisory council brings together a distinguished group of Emirati women leaders, including Aysha Al Hamrani, an acclaimed artist and children's book illustrator known for her interactive storytelling works; Israa Al Mulla, Director of the International School of Storytelling at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, renowned for her extensive expertise in designing storytelling programmes; Amna Al Mazmi, Director of the Kalimat Foundation, widely recognised for her impactful efforts in empowering children's access to knowledge; Fatma AlKhatib, founder of Sidra Publishing House, known for her dedication to high-quality educational content; Moza Al Rand, Head of Events and Planning at the Sharjah Book Authority; and Noura Al Khoury, an acclaimed Emirati author whose children's books and stories have enriched Arabic libraries with educational and values-driven narratives. Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the UAEBBY, emphasised that the formation of the new advisory board is part of a broader strategic vision to expand the organisation's impact and future role. She said: 'This new board reflects our deep belief in empowering Emirati women to take on leading roles in the development of the children's book industry and to contribute meaningfully to the initiatives we organise to promote reading. These talented women bring fresh perspectives that will strengthen the quality of our projects and widen the scope of engagement with authors, illustrators, and children's literature professionals both locally and internationally.' Deepening ties with writers Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, said: 'As we embark on a new and more advanced phase of our journey, the advisory board will play a key role in enriching and expanding our programming. From launching innovative initiatives that target children and young readers, to deepening cooperation with writers, illustrators, and publishers — this board represents a vibrant think tank capable of proposing creative solutions to advance the children's book sector and foster a deeper culture of reading. With this newly appointed board, the UAEBBY aims to reshape its programmes and events to align with evolving trends in reader engagement and publishing for young audiences. The Board will continue to focus on building the capacities of professionals in the field of children's literature, encouraging them to produce high-quality and innovative content. It also seeks to introduce stimulating, interactive events that fuse storytelling, art, and learning to cultivate reading habits and critical and creative thinking among children and youth. The UAEBBY is also committed to addressing the evolving needs of publishers, authors, and illustrators by offering advanced professional development opportunities and hosting workshops and training sessions focused on both the technical and artistic dimensions of children's literature. It further seeks to foster strong partnerships with cultural and educational institutions to strengthen the presence of children's books in schools and public libraries, while contributing to the creation of an environment that nurtures young readers and creative minds, guided by the belief that building a knowledge-based society begins with the very first book a child reads.
Sharjah 24
01-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
UAEBBY forms advisory board featuring Emirati women creatives
The newly formed advisory council brings together a distinguished group of Emirati women leaders, including Aysha Al Hamrani, an acclaimed artist and children's book illustrator known for her interactive storytelling works; Israa Al Mulla, Director of the International School of Storytelling at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, renowned for her extensive expertise in designing storytelling programs; Amna Al Mazmi, Director of the Kalimat Foundation, widely recognized for her impactful efforts in empowering children's access to knowledge; Fatma AlKhatib, founder of Sidra Publishing House, known for her dedication to high-quality educational content; Moza Al Rand, Head of Events and Planning at the Sharjah Book Authority; and Noura Al Khoury, an acclaimed Emirati author whose children's books and stories have enriched Arabic libraries with educational and values-driven narratives. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the UAEBBY, emphasized that the formation of the new advisory board is part of a broader strategic vision to expand the organisation's impact and future role. She said: 'This new board reflects our deep belief in empowering Emirati women to take on leading roles in the development of the children's book industry and to contribute meaningfully to the initiatives we organize to promote reading. These talented women bring fresh perspectives that will strengthen the quality of our projects and widen the scope of engagement with authors, illustrators, and children's literature professionals both locally and internationally.' Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, Said: 'As we embark on a new and more advanced phase of our journey, the advisory board will play a key role in enriching and expanding our programming. From launching innovative initiatives that target children and young readers, to deepening cooperation with writers, illustrators, and publishers—this board represents a vibrant think tank capable of proposing creative solutions to advance the children's book sector and foster a deeper culture of reading. With this newly appointed board, the UAEBBY aims to reshape its programmes and events to align with evolving trends in reader engagement and publishing for young audiences. The Board will continue to focus on building the capacities of professionals in the field of children's literature, encouraging them to produce high-quality and innovative content. It also seeks to introduce stimulating, interactive events that fuse storytelling, art, and learning to cultivate reading habits and critical and creative thinking among children and youth. The UAEBBY is also committed to addressing the evolving needs of publishers, authors, and illustrators by offering advanced professional development opportunities and hosting workshops and training sessions focused on both the technical and artistic dimensions of children's literature. It further seeks to foster strong partnerships with cultural and educational institutions to strengthen the presence of children's books in schools and public libraries, while contributing to the creation of an environment that nurtures young readers and creative minds, guided by the belief that building a knowledge-based society begins with the very first book a child reads.
Broadcast Pro
17-04-2025
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Film Festival returns for 11th edition with lineup of 68 films
Saudi director and producer Osama Al Khurayji's debut feature 'Siwar' has been chosen to open the Saudi Film Festival. The Saudi Film Festival is set to make its return for its 11th edition from April 17 to 23 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), with this year's theme, 'Cinema of Identity,' focusing on how cinema reflects and shapes personal, cultural, and national identities. Organised by the Cinema Association in collaboration with Ithra and with support from the Film Commission, the festival will showcase 68 films from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region—including Iraq and Yemen—and beyond. The lineup includes seven feature films from Saudi and Gulf filmmakers, 22 short fiction films and seven documentaries, along with 12 parallel screenings of Saudi productions. Among the narrative features competing this year are Hobal, My Driver and I, Thuqoub, Fakher Al-Suwaidi, Anaashed Adam, Es-aaf, Behind the Mountains and Adjourned. The festival will also honour veteran Saudi actor Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, celebrating his decades-long career across theater, television and cinema, with acclaimed roles in Tash Ma Tash, Bayni Wa Baynak, Zero Distance and Hajjan. In addition to screenings, the festival will host four panel discussions, four advanced masterclasses and three book signings for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia. Filmmakers will also have access to one-on-one 'Meet the Expert' sessions and private screenings at Ithra's plaza and library, offering valuable opportunities for mentorship and feedback. The festival's production market will feature 22 booths from regional production entities, giving filmmakers a platform to pitch, develop and promote their projects while building industry connections. This year also celebrates Japanese cinema, marking 70 years of Saudi-Japan diplomatic relations. Eight Japanese films will be screened, accompanied by expert-led discussions. Highlights from the Japanese selection include River Returns, Blue and White, Toma #2, Kaburagi, Extremely Short and The New World—a diverse showcase of storytelling rooted in tradition, memory, and modern transformation.
