Latest news with #SharjahAnimationConference
Gulf Today
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah spotlights global storytelling at SAC
'Translation is far more than a linguistic process, it's the exchange of culture and we're inviting the globe into our worldview,' noted Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency, setting the tone for an insightful panel discussion at the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC 2025). 'Bringing Middle Eastern Stories to Global Audiences' brought together industry leaders to dissect the challenges and triumphs of exporting regional narratives worldwide, and Said was joined by Allegra Dami, CEO, and Ilaria Mazzonis, an Executive Producer at Mobo Digital. The visionary ecosystem of Sharjah Highlighting Sharjah's role as a cultural hub guided by the vision and support of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Tamer Said noted the emirate has championed Arabic literature and storytelling through various initiatives and organisations under the umbrella of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), who are also the organisers of SAC 2025. 'We support creators across all media, from books to animation, ensuring our stories are rooted in our language and heritage,' Said emphasised. Through participation in international book fairs and other platforms that champion translation, Sharjah has increased its global footprint. Dami, whose parent company sold over 20 million children's books to 70 nations globally, shared insights into its foray into animation. 'Animation translates stories into reality,' she noted, stressing the synergy between storytelling, visual artistry, sound design and music. The concept of 'glocal' (global + local) storytelling emerged as a cornerstone in their approach.
Sharjah 24
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Habara reflects on his career in personal dialogue at SAC
At a Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) 2025 discussion titled 'Inside the Making of the Anime Hit, Starblazers', he recalled developing a passion for anime from a young age and creating his first animated film during high school with the help of friends from other schools. The 30-minute film, consisting of 1,000 images, was completed over three years and showcased at a school arts festival. SAC 2025 organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), is taking place at the Sharjah Expo Center and concludes on Sunday, alongside the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF 2025). Habara also shared how he moved to Tokyo and began working at the Ashi Studio on the 'Adventures of Hani' series, where he met his future wife. During his career, he contributed in multiple capacities, including production, character design and direction. Clips from several of his iconic works such as 'Space Adventure: Cobra', 'Machine Robo', 'Tondemi Man', and 'Mega Man' were also featured - to his fans' delight - during the session. In her segment, Kumiko reflected on her decision to take a break from animation to raise their children. After they grew up, she returned to the industry to pursue a career in animation direction. SAC 2025 has engaged, enriched and entertained students, professionals and animation enthusiasts with a comprehensive programme spanning workshops and masterclasses, panel discussions, and live performances by 74 leading industry professionals and artists from 18 nations worldwide. For more information and to register your interest for next year, visit
Zawya
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Eye-opening discussion at Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 focuses on animation's future in Middle East & Africa
Sharjah: The Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) 2025 featured a riveting roundtable discussion titled 'Animation in MENA & Africa: Opportunities & Challenges,' convening leading voices from the region's animation industry to discuss the evolving sector. This anticipated session brought together Zümrüt Pakoy, MENA Programming and Presentation Director at Warner Bros Discovery; Abdulaziz Othman, CEO of ZEEZ Animation in Saudi Arabia; Tariq Ali, Founder of Egyptian studio ZANAD; Raymond Malinga, CEO of Creatures Animation Studio in Uganda; and Damilola Solesi, Creative Director and CEO of Smids Animation Studios from Nigeria. A meeting of industry movers and shakers Warner Bros Discovery's Zümrüt Pakoy opened the discussion with a global perspective, commenting on the rising demand for diverse content in international markets. She also highlighted the delicate art of curating content for children, saying 'For our animation networks, Cartoonito and Cartoon Network, smart, fun storytelling is non-negotiable,' noting how diversity and inclusion are also highly important in shaping their programming. With streaming platforms expanding children's access to content, Pakoy stressed the responsibility of creators, 'Every show must reflect the world's richness while sparking joy.' She pointed to Warner Bros' global reach as a tool to amplify regional voices, but cautioned against diluting cultural specificity for mass appeal. Nurturing a sustainable ecosystem Abdulaziz Othman brought the cyclical challenges of commissioning and funding to the table and the unique competitiveness of the market saying, 'Animation has a long shelf life and the competition is global,' referencing evergreen shows that dominate screens years after their debut. To counter this, Othman advocated for systemic solutions including grants, unions, and institutional partnerships to nurture a sustainable ecosystem. 'No single studio can shoulder this alone,' he insisted, reflecting on ZEEZ's journey from bootstrapped projects to award-winning series like 'Nayerat'. Using authentic narratives to unlock the region's potential Tariq Ali, the maverick founder of ZANAD, channeled Egypt's cinematic legacy into his vision for animation. 'We've had a very strong film industry for decades and I think animation is the next wave,' he asserted, underscoring Egypt's untapped potential. Ali championed the creation of original IPs tailored for diverse mediums, from TV to streaming, while celebrating local talent. 'We have the talent, we have the know-how; now we need the confidence to own our narratives,' he declared, positioning ZANAD as a bridge between Egypt's storied past and its animated future. Championing African stories through animation Raymond Malinga, the Ugandan filmmaker and CEO of Creatures Animation Studio, spoke with determination about the power of localised storytelling. His 12-person studio has quickly become an example of African excellence, proving that size is no barrier to global impact. His collaboration with Disney+ on 'Herderboy', and the opening episode of the anthology 'Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire', further cemented his studio's reputation. The project, which explores a futuristic African pastoralist's journey, marked a milestone as one of the first Ugandan-led animations on a global streaming platform. 'People need to realise that we are building our industry from scratch here, and when young animators in Uganda see characters who look like them, speak their languages, and navigate worlds they recognise, it transforms what they believe is possible,' he said. Education as the foundation for industry growth Damilola Solesi, now a veteran of Nigeria's creative sector with a decorated career spanning the past 15 years, painted a vivid picture of growth amid adversity in her home country. 'Our population is young, ambitious, and wired for innovation,' she said, referencing Nigeria's 200 million people, most under 35. 'There are challenges within our sector, especially within Africa, and it's not always easy to find support and funding, but there is huge potential for this industry, and we are doing everything we can to open doors for others.' Solesi also stressed that education and mentorship are the foundation of sustainable growth in Africa's animation sector. 'Institutions that prioritise skills development and accessible training are the engines that will drive this industry forward, but unfortunately this is lacking,' she noted. Through her animation studio, Solesi actively bridges this gap by offering hands-on workshops and guidance for aspiring animators ensuring Nigeria's youth are active participants in shaping Africa's animation scene. For more information and the full conference agenda running until May 4th at Expo Centre Sharjah, visit
Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Eye-opening talk in Sharjah says animation has a long life
The Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) 2025 featured a riveting roundtable discussion titled 'Animation in MENA & Africa: Opportunities & Challenges,' convening leading voices from the region's animation industry to discuss the evolving sector. This anticipated session brought together Zümrüt Pakoy, MENA Programming and Presentation Director at Warner Bros Discovery; Abdulaziz Othman, CEO of ZEEZ Animation in Saudi Arabia; Tariq Ali, Founder of Egyptian studio ZANAD; Raymond Malinga, CEO of Creatures Animation Studio in Uganda; and Damilola Solesi, Creative Director and CEO of Smids Animation Studios from Nigeria. A meeting of industry movers and shakers Warner Bros Discovery's Zümrüt Pakoy opened the discussion with a global perspective, commenting on the rising demand for diverse content in international markets. She also highlighted the delicate art of curating content for children, saying 'For our animation networks, Cartoonito and Cartoon Network, smart, fun storytelling is non-negotiable,' noting how diversity and inclusion are also highly important in shaping their programming. Abdulaziz Othman With streaming platforms expanding children's access to content, Pakoy stressed the responsibility of creators, 'Every show must reflect the world's richness while sparking joy.' She pointed to Warner Bros' global reach as a tool to amplify regional voices, but cautioned against diluting cultural specificity for mass appeal. Nurturing a sustainable ecosystem Abdulaziz Othman brought the cyclical challenges of commissioning and funding to the table and the unique competitiveness of the market saying, 'Animation has a long shelf life and the competition is global,' referencing evergreen shows that dominate screens years after their debut. Tariq Ali To counter this, Othman advocated for systemic solutions including grants, unions, and institutional partnerships to nurture a sustainable ecosystem. 'No single studio can shoulder this alone,' he insisted, reflecting on ZEEZ's journey from bootstrapped projects to award-winning series like 'Nayerat'. Using authentic narratives to unlock the region's potential Tariq Ali, the maverick founder of ZANAD, channelled Egypt's cinematic legacy into his vision for animation. 'We've had a very strong film industry for decades and I think animation is the next wave,' he asserted, underscoring Egypt's untapped potential. Damilola Solesi Ali championed the creation of original IPs tailored for diverse mediums, from TV to streaming, while celebrating local talent. 'We have the talent, we have the know-how; now we need the confidence to own our narratives,' he declared, positioning ZANAD as a bridge between Egypt's storied past and its animated future. Championing African stories through animation Raymond Malinga, the Ugandan filmmaker and CEO of Creatures Animation Studio, spoke with determination about the power of localised storytelling. His 12-person studio has quickly become an example of African excellence, proving that size is no barrier to global impact. His collaboration with Disney+ on 'Herderboy', and the opening episode of the anthology 'Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire', further cemented his studio's reputation. Raymond Malinga The project, which explores a futuristic African pastoralist's journey, marked a milestone as one of the first Ugandan-led animations on a global streaming platform. 'People need to realise that we are building our industry from scratch here, and when young animators in Uganda see characters who look like them, speak their languages, and navigate worlds they recognise, it transforms what they believe is possible,' he said. Education as the foundation for industry growth Damilola Solesi, now a veteran of Nigeria's creative sector with a decorated career spanning the past 15 years, painted a vivid picture of growth amid adversity in her home country. 'Our population is young, ambitious, and wired for innovation,' she said, referencing Nigeria's 200 million people, most under 35. 'There are challenges within our sector, especially within Africa, and it's not always easy to find support and funding, but there is huge potential for this industry, and we are doing everything we can to open doors for others.' Zumrut Pakoy and Raymond Malinga Solesi also stressed that education and mentorship are the foundation of sustainable growth in Africa's animation sector. 'Institutions that prioritise skills development and accessible training are the engines that will drive this industry forward, but unfortunately this is lacking,' she noted. Through her animation studio, Solesi actively bridges this gap by offering hands-on workshops and guidance for aspiring animators ensuring Nigeria's youth are active participants in shaping Africa's animation scene. For more information and the full conference agenda running until May 4th at Expo Centre Sharjah, visit .
Gulf Today
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan attends opening of 3rd Sharjah Animation Conference
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the third edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference. This came in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The event, the first of its kind in the region, is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority and takes place from May 1 to 4 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Extensive programme and global participation During the opening, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on this year's conference agenda, which features a rich lineup of specialised events including 26 professional workshops, 21 interactive panel discussions, film screenings, and themed exhibitions. The conference hosts 72 speakers from among the world's top animation creators. His Highness also toured the conference halls and exhibitor booths, learning about the creative tools presented by participating entities from around the globe. Celebrating Arab animation His Highness also viewed a short creative film produced by the Sharjah Book Authority. The film, presented in a visually rich and narratively innovative style, chronicled key milestones in the development of animation in the Arab world — from its early days in tents and marketplaces to modern productions that shaped generations, such as 'Bakkar,' 'Freej,' and 'Shaabiat Al Cartoon.' Sheikh Sultan with dignitaries at the event. The film shed light on early Arab efforts in animation, prominent regional productions in the 20th century, and the role of dubbing in reintroducing global works through an Arab voice and identity. It also spotlighted the 'Spacetoon' experience, which marked a transformative moment in Arab children's media. The film concluded with an inspiring message affirming that Sharjah is paving the way for Arab content creators to produce visual works rooted in their culture and delivered to the world in the language of Arab creativity. Opening remarks by Khoula Al Mujaini In her opening speech, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of the Conference, stated: 'We inaugurate the Sharjah Animation Conference, a comprehensive initiative launched by the Sharjah Book Authority under the patronage of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and under the supervision and guidance of the Chairperson of the Authority, to empower content creation in the Arab world through new tools and innovative approaches.' Al Mujaini added that the conference embodies Sharjah's vision of establishing a sustainable environment for content creation, through an integrated year-round ecosystem designed to discover, develop, and connect talents with production and publishing platforms. It serves as a bridge between publishing and production, writers and illustrators, imagination and execution, and between the generation writing today and the one that will dream twenty years from now. She concluded by saying: 'It's time to tell our stories ourselves. The Arab world is brimming with exceptional talent that needs not creativity — but rather space, opportunity, and support. Today in Sharjah, we dream, plan, and work so that the world may one day watch world-class animated works with an Arab identity — rooted in our culture, speaking our language, touching the hearts of our children, and captivating global audiences.' Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of 'du,' the official sponsor of the conference, said: 'Our sponsorship of this conference stems from our deep belief in the importance of investing in culture and creativity as drivers of positive change and key enablers of the future economy.' Celebrating Japanese anime and global industry icons This year, the conference celebrates the art of Japanese anime, which has influenced generations of animation lovers worldwide. It welcomes a distinguished lineup of Japanese creators, including Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both of whom contributed to iconic Studio Ghibli productions such as Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro. The event also features Tom Bancroft, CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios, Tony Bancroft, known for his work on Disney's Mulan and Aladdin, and Sandro Cleuzo, the character designer behind Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip 'n Dale. A platform for global trends and creative synergy Now in its third edition, the Sharjah Animation Conference is advancing its status as an international platform for exploring the latest trends in animation. This year's discussions include intersections between animation and artificial intelligence, visual storytelling, and adapting literary works into visual productions — affirming that animation today is a universal language where art, technology, and cultures converge.
