Latest news with #MangaProductions
Leaders
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Japanese Masakazu Explores Connections between Culture, Storytelling
The 11th Saudi Film Festival (SFF) has delved into the deep connections between culture and storytelling through an important panel by Japanese filmmaker Kaneko Masakazu, according to Arab News. Known for his cinematic passion for nature, memory, and myth, Masakazu explored how cultural identity shape cinematic storytelling. Moderated by cultural commentator Showg AlBarjas, the panel highlighted Masakazu's approach to filmmaking, notably in his third feature film 'River Returns' (2024). 'My work deals with the relationship between nature and humans as its central theme. It tells these stories in a poetic, almost mythical style,' he said. Interestingly, it narrates the story of a young boy who embarks on a dangerous journey to a seemingly haunted body of water. At this place, he hopes to alleviate the grief-stricken spirit that caused the devastating floods that hit the village. The film represents an exceptional blend between fantasy and drama. 'In the end, it becomes a transmission of culture, a passing down of folklore, all leading back to a shared emotional core. At the same time, I'm interested in how people respond — how a non-Japanese audience might engage with it,' he added. Masakazu mentioned that the boy's journey to the mountain pool is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual and emotional one, too. Related Topics: Saudi Film Festival Highlights Similarities between Saudi, Japanese Cinema Japanese Yamamura Holds Masterclass at Saudi Film Festival Manga Productions Boosts Japanese Collaboration for Riyadh Season Short link :
Broadcast Pro
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Manga Productions makes historic debut as AnimeJapan 2025 sponsor
Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote on 'Saudinimation', highlighting Japan-Saudi collaboration in animation. Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions has made history by becoming the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the major anime conventions. The event, held at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre, attracted over 150,000 visitors and showcased more than 100 international exhibitors. A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), Manga Productions' participation highlighted Saudi Arabia's expanding footprint in the global anime industry. The company's presence at the event provided attendees with an immersive cultural experience, featuring interactive exhibitions such as traditional Saudi attire demonstrations and Saudi coffee tastings, blending heritage with innovation. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote address titled 'A New Era of Animation! The Future of 'Saudinimation' Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia.' His speech emphasised the growing collaboration between the two nations and the potential for joint ventures in animation production. 'The enthusiastic reception we received underscores our commitment to showcasing Saudi creativity on the global stage,' Bukhary stated. 'AnimeJapan 2025 marked a significant step in fostering co-productions and international partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming a hub for entertainment innovation.' The Manga Productions pavilion also hosted prominent Japanese officials, including Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Akamatsu Ken and Vice Minister of the Environment Kobayashi Fumiaki, reflecting a deepening cultural and diplomatic exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, Director of Marketing and Communications at Manga Productions, highlighted the strategic importance of the event, and stated: 'This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia's creative identity while establishing key media and industry relationships. Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and this event demonstrated the power of our narrative.' Manga Productions' participation at AnimeJapan 2025 not only reinforced its role as a global player in animation but also strengthened Saudi-Japanese collaboration in the evolving entertainment landscape.
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Manga Productions Showcases Saudi Innovation at Anime Japan 2025
Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), concluded its participation in Anime Japan 2025, one of the world's most prestigious anime exhibitions. Manga Productions sponsored the global event for the first time, reinforcing its commitment to establishing Saudi Arabia's presence in the anime industry. Held at Tokyo Big Sight, the exhibition attracted more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 participating companies worldwide. Manga Productions chief executive Dr. Essam Bukhari expressed pride in the company's participation and gratitude for the enthusiastic reception from Japanese and international audiences. Sponsoring such a significant event is a strategic step in fostering partnerships for co-production, distribution, and content licensing, he added. He also highlighted how Saudi Arabia's economic growth and development are opening doors for deeper collaboration with Japanese and international companies, further cementing the Kingdom's status as a global hub for creativity in the entertainment sector. Bukhari noted that participation in Anime Japan 2025 boosts Saudi Arabia's global image, showcasing the Kingdom's creative identity on a prestigious international platform. It also strengthens connections with audiences and media partners while promoting innovative Saudi content. Over four days, the Manga Productions team engaged with visitors during both public and business sessions. The company offered an immersive cultural experience, allowing attendees to explore Saudi creativity through traditional clothing displays, cultural activities, and Saudi coffee tastings. Manga Productions remains dedicated to solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the entertainment industry, bringing the latest Japanese entertainment innovations to the Saudi market. This aligns with the Kingdom's vision for developing the creative content industry, positioning it as a global entertainment hub.
Arab News
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi manga producer participates in one of world's largest anime events in Tokyo
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions made a historic debut as the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world's largest anime events. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors, organizers said in a statement. A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as Misk, Manga Production's participation underscored Saudi Arabia's growing position in the global anime industry. Attendees experienced interactive exhibitions, including traditional Saudi attire try-ons and authentic Saudi coffee tastings, offering a unique fusion of heritage and creativity. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote speech titled 'A New Era of Animation! The Future of 'Saudinimation' Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia,' outlining the collaborative opportunities between the two nations. He said: 'The overwhelming response reflects our mission to position Saudi creativity globally. AnimeJapan 2025 was a milestone in fostering co-production and content partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision to be a hub for entertainment innovation.' The pavilion also welcomed high-profile Japanese officials, including Akamatsu Ken, vice minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, and Kobayashi Fumiaki, vice minister of the environment, signaling strong governmental interest in cultural exchange. Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, director of marketing and communications, said: 'This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia's creative identity while forging strategic media and industry connections. 'Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and the event proved the power of our narrative.'
Broadcast Pro
20-03-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Manga Productions and Sela forge strategic partnership
This year, Manga Productions announced its official sponsorship of Anime Japan 2025. Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation 'Misk,' has signed a strategic partnership with Sela, a company operating across entertainment, sports, culture and tourism, to enhance collaboration with leading Japanese companies and expand their presence in Riyadh Season, according to a report by Saudi Press Agency. The partnership aims to attract top Japanese brands in entertainment and culture, providing them with a platform to engage with Saudi and global audiences through exclusive experiences debuting in the Kingdom. Manga Productions will play a key role in facilitating the entry of Japanese creative industries into the Saudi market, fostering new collaborations between the two nations. This collaboration marks a continuation of the successful partnership between Manga Productions and Sela. A testament to their shared vision was the unveiling of the 33-meter-tall Grendizer statue during Riyadh Season 2022, which set a Guinness World Record and became an iconic attraction. In addition to its local initiatives, Manga Productions has announced its official sponsorship of Anime Japan 2025, the global event in the anime and creative industries. The company will participate in both public and business days, using its presence to attract Japanese investment and strengthen industry ties. Manga Productions continues to position Saudi Arabia as a key hub for the entertainment industry by introducing the latest Japanese innovations to the local market. Through strategic partnerships and cultural collaborations, the company is contributing to the Kingdom's vision of developing its creative content sector and solidifying its status as a global entertainment destination.
