Seminars, masterclasses from Disney artists: Sharjah Animation Conference kicks off in presence of Sheikh Dr Sultan

Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) is a new creative platform aimed at strengthening the foundations of the animation industry and allied sectors of publishing, digital, film and comic producers, held on the side lines of the 14th edition of Sharjah Book Fair.

SAC was was attended by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and opened its debut edition on Wednesday in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The first-of-its-kind event in the region, SAC’s packed programme is being led by global industry leaders until May 5 in Expo Centre Sharjah, on the sidelines of the 14th annual edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), and is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

The Sharjah Ruler was briefed on the event’s highlights while touring the conference’s events and workshop areas, which will be occupied by 18 internationally renowned creatives in the sector during the three-day event, including artists, technicians, creators, and producers.

During her opening ceremony keynote, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SAC, said: "Benefitted by the vision and unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah takes a new step in its cultural journey with the aim of tapping into creative opportunities, particularly in Arabic content, not yet discovered by the region. This conference is a new creative platform in Sharjah that will strengthen the foundations of the animation industry and allied sectors of publishing, digital, film and comic producers that inspire it.”

She added, "Through SAC, we are also enabling stronger networking and collaboration between producers, animators and publishers as well as other content creators in the region and across the globe, especially with the significant growth since the beginning of the third millennium in the animation industry around the world. We believe this is the right move, given that the creative industries market reached $394 billion in 2022, and is expected to continue to grow to be valued at $580 billion by 2030.”

Pietro Pinetti, SAC Artistic Director noted: “Animation is much more than just cartoons and entertainment. It is a creative art form that has the power to inspire and bring people together. Innovation is the driving force behind animation, and it is our duty to push the boundaries and explore new frontiers. We must continue to strive for excellence and seek out new opportunities to collaborate and create. The Sharjah Animation Conference is one such opportunity, bringing together artists, filmmakers, and industry leaders from around the world to exchange ideas and showcase their work”.

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