Sharjah Animation Conference

SAC returns for its third annual edition, again organised in collaboration with Italy’s Bergamo Animation Days (BAD), with an extensive (indeed, impressive) programme of trends, cutting-edge technologies, and game-changing opportunities, This year there’s a substantial Japanese influence – Studio Ghibli notables, anime in many of the sessions, an afternoon of cosplay …

Overall, it’s a chance for enthusiasts, current and would-be professionals and industry folk to mingle with some of the world’s best animators – more than 70 of them, say the organisers, with the full list here. Headliners include Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both associated with Studio Ghibli; Tom Bancroft of Pencilish Animation Studios, known for his work on Disney classics like Mulan and Aladdin; and the celebrated character designer Sandro Cleuzo, known for Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip’n Dale (his workshop predictably sold out early, sadly, and so has Bancroft’s).

Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SAC, described animation as “a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations … Through SAC, we aim to celebrate this remarkable art form, inspire new generations of creatives, and provide a space where industry leaders can connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of animated storytelling”.

Most of the artist led workshops are hands-on and/or quite technical, which justifies the extra costs applied to them. But the standard AED 139 four-pass does give you access to 30+ talks, panel discussions and roundtables; lots of activations (which usually means people trying to sell you stuff, but in entertaining fashion); and three live music gigs, include one “live anime concert”. There’s also a “shared creative space to draw and collaborate”. And of course there will be many screenings.