emirates7 - His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the third edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference, accompanied by H.H. 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, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, is a pioneering initiative in the region and runs from May 1st to 4th at Expo Centre Sharjah. The Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on the agenda for this year's conference, which includes a series of events such as 26 professional workshops, 21 interactive panel discussions, film screenings, and themed exhibitions.
The conference features 72 speakers, including some of the world's leading animation creators. During the opening, Sheikh Dr. Sultan also visited the exhibition halls and booths, learning about the creative tools showcased by global participants.
Additionally, the Ruler viewed a short film created by the Sharjah Book Authority, which tells the story of the evolution of animation in the Arab world. The film highlighted the journey from early animation in tents and markets to iconic productions like "Bakkar," "Freej," and "Shaabiat Al Cartoon," emphasizing the impact of dubbing in bringing global works to Arab audiences. It also celebrated the role of "Spacetoon" in transforming Arab children’s media. The film concluded with a message that Sharjah is leading the way for Arab creators to produce visual content that reflects their culture and is shared globally in the Arabic language.
In her opening remarks, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of the conference, stated that the event, under the guidance of the Ruler of Sharjah and the Sharjah Book Authority, is dedicated to empowering content creation in the Arab world through innovative tools and approaches. She emphasized Sharjah's vision of fostering a sustainable ecosystem for content creation, connecting talents to production and publishing platforms, and nurturing the next generation of creative minds.
Al Mujaini concluded, stressing that it is time for the Arab world to tell its own stories, with an abundance of talent ready to make an impact on the global stage. "Today in Sharjah, we dream, plan, and work so that the world may one day witness world-class animated works that speak our language, reflect our culture, and captivate global audiences."
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, the official sponsor of the event, expressed that the sponsorship aligns with their belief in culture and creativity as key drivers of positive change and economic growth. He highlighted that events like the Sharjah Animation Conference provide emerging talents with the tools, space, and opportunities to contribute to a connected, innovative future.
This year's conference celebrates the influence of Japanese anime, with notable creators like Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both of whom contributed to Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The event also features Tom Bancroft, CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios; Tony Bancroft, known for his work on Mulan and Aladdin; and Sandro Cleuzo, the character designer behind Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip 'n Dale.
Now in its third edition, the Sharjah Animation Conference has firmly established itself as an international platform for exploring animation trends, including the intersection of animation with AI, visual storytelling, and adapting literary works into animated productions. The conference underscores the role of animation as a universal language where art, technology, and cultures converge.
The event, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, is a pioneering initiative in the region and runs from May 1st to 4th at Expo Centre Sharjah. The Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on the agenda for this year's conference, which includes a series of events such as 26 professional workshops, 21 interactive panel discussions, film screenings, and themed exhibitions.
The conference features 72 speakers, including some of the world's leading animation creators. During the opening, Sheikh Dr. Sultan also visited the exhibition halls and booths, learning about the creative tools showcased by global participants.
Additionally, the Ruler viewed a short film created by the Sharjah Book Authority, which tells the story of the evolution of animation in the Arab world. The film highlighted the journey from early animation in tents and markets to iconic productions like "Bakkar," "Freej," and "Shaabiat Al Cartoon," emphasizing the impact of dubbing in bringing global works to Arab audiences. It also celebrated the role of "Spacetoon" in transforming Arab children’s media. The film concluded with a message that Sharjah is leading the way for Arab creators to produce visual content that reflects their culture and is shared globally in the Arabic language.
In her opening remarks, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of the conference, stated that the event, under the guidance of the Ruler of Sharjah and the Sharjah Book Authority, is dedicated to empowering content creation in the Arab world through innovative tools and approaches. She emphasized Sharjah's vision of fostering a sustainable ecosystem for content creation, connecting talents to production and publishing platforms, and nurturing the next generation of creative minds.
Al Mujaini concluded, stressing that it is time for the Arab world to tell its own stories, with an abundance of talent ready to make an impact on the global stage. "Today in Sharjah, we dream, plan, and work so that the world may one day witness world-class animated works that speak our language, reflect our culture, and captivate global audiences."
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, the official sponsor of the event, expressed that the sponsorship aligns with their belief in culture and creativity as key drivers of positive change and economic growth. He highlighted that events like the Sharjah Animation Conference provide emerging talents with the tools, space, and opportunities to contribute to a connected, innovative future.
This year's conference celebrates the influence of Japanese anime, with notable creators like Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both of whom contributed to Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The event also features Tom Bancroft, CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios; Tony Bancroft, known for his work on Mulan and Aladdin; and Sandro Cleuzo, the character designer behind Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip 'n Dale.
Now in its third edition, the Sharjah Animation Conference has firmly established itself as an international platform for exploring animation trends, including the intersection of animation with AI, visual storytelling, and adapting literary works into animated productions. The conference underscores the role of animation as a universal language where art, technology, and cultures converge.