Sharjah: The third annual edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC 2025) concluded on Sunday, solidifying its status as a regional epicentre for the industry, and attracting 5,600 attendees from around the world. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the conference brought together 74 luminaries, including award-winning Disney animators, gaming pioneers, and storytellers representing 18 countries from regions such as Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
According to Emirates News Agency, SAC 2025 celebrated creative excellence with a US$20,000 awards programme. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and Pietro Pinetti, Artistic Director of SAC, presented the 'Book Trailer Award' and the 'Pitch the Project Award' to recognize outstanding efforts in literary visual storytelling and culturally inspired children's animation concepts. The ceremony also honored leading figures and influencers in animation, including a special lifetime achievement award to the late Masami Suda, with his wife, Chuda Suda, accepting the award on his behalf for his legacy in works like 'Dragon Ball'.
Additionally, the Sharjah Animation Conference Ambassador award was presented to international animator Sandro Cleuzo, acknowledging his contributions to the conference's vision and global impact. Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SAC, credited the conference's success to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Al Mujaini emphasized SAC's role as a platform for collaboration and innovation in the animation industry.
SAC 2025's agenda included more than 35 workshops and 29 roundtables and panel discussions focusing on aspects such as illustration, animation, scripting, digital technologies, and AI. Key figures in character design and production shared insights and techniques, while the programme also explored adapting literary works into animated productions. The conference addressed institutional challenges, including local production infrastructure and global collaboration strategies.
Women played a significant role in the discussions, contributing reflections on impactful global projects. The closing ceremony celebrated creativity and cultural heritage, awarding a $20,000 prize pool for the Book Trailer Award and Pitch the Project Award. Winners included Ahmed Arnaouty, Aishwarya Carriappa, and Zainab Jebur for their visual interpretation of 'Dooq Dooq' by Shereen Sabbagh, and Mohammed Jandali, Abdalla Almunajad, and Eslam Aboshady for their storytelling proposals.
The conference featured live performances from Italy's Florence Pops Orchestra, with renditions of Disney classics and a Studio Ghibli tribute. An exclusive networking evening at Bait Alowal fostered partnerships among industry leaders and creators. Curated film screenings highlighted animation's legacy and future, enhancing SAC 2025's cultural and collaborative offerings.
