• The conference will be led by 71 speakers from 12 countries, including Japan

Amin Abbas

DUBAI: The Sharjah Book Authority will hold the second edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) from May 1 to 5,  providing a platform for people to come together, exchange ideas, and create meaningful connections through 60 events.

The conference will have 30 workshops, 20 panel discussions, and five music concerts, and it will be led by 71 speakers from 12 countries, including Japan.

The second edition will also feature a rich program presented by directors and artists from major global companies like Disney, Warner Bros., and Sony.

The conference has been chosen as the platform for a special celebration of the Lion King, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Andreas Deja, the renowned animator and director whose contributions to animation have included several Disney leading or title characters, including ‘Scar’ from The Lion King, will premier his short film Mushka at the conference.

Additionally, it will also facilitate networking between animators, creators, and publishers, offering them a dedicated space to discuss the buying and selling of rights and other creative collaborations. 

SAC 2024 will feature a host of professional artists and award-winning talents, including industry legends like Kristof Serrand, known for his distinguished and internationally nominated artworks, and John Pomeroy, the legendary director whose contributions have enriched cinema with works like Pocahontas and Fantasia 2000.

Japanese animator Junichi Hayama is also participating. He is known for his work on ‘Fist of the North Star’ and ‘One Piece Film: Red’.

The conference is part of the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), which will host 470 publishers from 75 countries. The festival will take place from May 1 to 12. 

At the festival, young visitors will have the opportunity to discover the vibrant world of comics through more than 132 activities, including workshops and panel discussions led by 31 creatives hailing from 4 countries.

The agenda is brimming with engaging sessions, such as 3D Modeling and Animation, Character Creation, Comics Pop-Art, and Cosplay Helmets, inviting children to explore their creativity and artistic flair. 

The cultural extravaganza boasts an agenda brimming with learning and excitement, spanning a wide range of topics including sustainability, fashion, crafts, music, and more, alongside 12 captivating performances, including theatrical productions and vibrant roaming shows, presented by 19 theatre companies and groups representing 12 countries, are some amongst several festival highlights.

SAC and SCRF will be held at the Sharjah Expo Center.