Sharjah: The first-ever Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) has concluded after three exciting days that attracted more than 5,000 attendees from different parts of the world.
The event, which was the first of its kind in the Middle East, offered its 1,500 participants an authentic and inspiring selection of masterclasses, workshops, and lively discussions, led by Emmy and Annie award-winning experts known for their Oscar-winning productions.
The conference was curated and organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), providing a dynamic platform for 150 publishers and producers in the animation industry to establish lasting connections and exchange ideas. With a diverse range of informative sessions and valuable networking opportunities, the SAC has become a cultural landmark for the animation community in the region and beyond.
The Sharjah Book Authority has orchestrated a pioneering event that aligns seamlessly with the visionary objectives of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and reflects the emirate’s unwavering dedication to advancing the publishing and animation sectors in the Middle East. By leveraging this landmark gathering, we aspire to pave the way for Arab creative industries, invigorating Sharjah’s unique identity and culture, spurring a wave of exceptional animated productions based on Arabic literary works.
Ms. Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SAC, shared.
The Executive Director added that “building on the success of our debut event, SAC will contribute significantly to the evolution of the global animation landscape by enabling meaningful content that articulates our unique identity and culture, underscoring the conference’s potential to drive transformative change in the animation industry.”
Mr. Pietro Pinetti, Artistic Director of SAC, commented that “animation is a powerful medium that can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, and the Arab region is home to a wealth of untapped stories and artistic talent that are ripe for animation adaptation.”
Mr. Pinetti further highlighted the SBA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the animation industry in Sharjah and beyond, citing the Sharjah Animation Conference as a prime example of its efforts to connect industry stakeholders and cultivate the next generation of animators, illustrators, and content creators in the Arab world. “The SBA has emerged as a trailblazer in the region’s animation ecosystem, and its strategic vision and collaborative spirit bode well for the future of animation, not only locally but globally too,” the Artistic Director concluded.