Sharjah Animation Conference Announces Third Edition Awards with $20,000 Prize Pool
Sharjah, UAE – The Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC), a leading international event for animation professionals, returns for its third edition from May 1 to 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the conference provides a global platform for animators, industry leaders, and creatives to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and celebrate storytelling through animation.
New Awards Program
This year, SAC introduces an exciting awards program with two main categories: the ‘Pitch the Project Award’ and the ‘Book Trailer Award.’ With a total prize pool of $20,000, the competition offers a unique opportunity for professionals to gain recognition and engage with industry experts.
Sharjah: A Cultural and Creative Hub
Sharjah, often called the cultural capital of the UAE, actively promotes literature, arts, and creative industries. Under the leadership of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the emirate has invested in initiatives that support artistic expression.
The Sharjah Animation Conference reflects this commitment. It creates a space where creativity and technology intersect to advance animation. The city hosts renowned institutions like the House of Wisdom, the Sharjah Art Foundation, and the Sharjah International Book Fair, making it an ideal location for this event.
Pitch the Project Award: Promoting Cultural Storytelling
The ‘Pitch the Project Award’ invites animators, producers, and writers to develop a pitch for an animated series aimed at preschoolers or young children. The competition encourages entries inspired by Middle Eastern culture, traditions, and heritage, ensuring regional stories gain global representation.
Submissions must be in PDF format, with a maximum of 15 slides and a file size under 20MB. Each pitch should include an engaging title, a unique concept, detailed character descriptions, a structured narrative, and an episode outline. Concept art, character sketches, and mood boards are encouraged to enhance the presentation.
Cash Prizes:
- First Place: $5,000
- Second Place: $3,000
- Third Place: $2,000
The submission deadline is April 15. Winners will be announced during the SAC closing ceremony on May 4. More details are available at www.sharjahanimation.com.
Book Trailer Award: Bringing Stories to Life
The ‘Book Trailer Award’ bridges literature and visual storytelling by recognizing outstanding promotional videos for books. This category honors professionals who can effectively capture a book’s essence in a compelling short trailer.
For the 2025 edition, participants must create a trailer for Dooq Dooq by Shereen Sabbagh, published by Hachette Antoine. The book, part of the ‘Sakaker… Sweet Stories’ series, explores hearing impairment, fostering awareness and inclusivity among young readers.
Entry Requirements:
- Length: 30 to 60 seconds
- Resolution: Minimum 1080p at 30 frames per second
- Submission Limit: One per participant
The deadline for submissions is April 21. Winners will be announced during the conference. Further details can be found at www.sharjahanimation.com.
A Hub for Industry Growth and Networking
The Sharjah Animation Conference is more than a competition. It serves as a hub for networking, learning, and collaboration. Over four days, attendees can participate in workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, and exhibitions led by renowned artists and industry experts.
Workshops cover various aspects of animation, including character design, digital animation, voice acting, and script development. Keynote speakers from top animation studios will share insights into industry trends, storytelling techniques, and technological advancements.
For aspiring animators, SAC offers one-on-one mentorship sessions, portfolio reviews, and pitch meetings with major production houses and streaming platforms. These interactions can open doors for new projects, collaborations, and career opportunities.
Sharjah’s Role in Global Animation
As animation continues to grow as a dominant storytelling medium, SAC plays a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. By promoting regional stories and offering a stage for diverse voices, it helps bridge the gap between the Middle East and the global animation community.
Sharjah also supports education in creative fields. Institutions like the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah offer programs in digital media, animation, and visual arts. SAC connects academia with industry, ensuring emerging talents gain the resources and exposure they need.
Event Access and Registration
The conference opens daily from 10:00 AM. Attendees can purchase single-day or full-event tickets. General admission provides access to exhibitions, screenings, and standard sessions, while some specialized workshops require separate registration.
For those unable to attend in person, select sessions will be streamed live to reach a global audience.
For ticketing, schedules, and speaker line-ups, visit www.sharjahanimation.com.
A Celebration of Creativity and Culture
As SAC 2025 approaches, excitement continues to build around its awards program and industry events. The conference serves as a platform to showcase talent, elevate cultural storytelling, and bring Middle Eastern narratives to the global animation stage.
By fostering creativity, offering professional development, and bridging cultural gaps, SAC strengthens Sharjah’s position as a key player in the animation industry. Participants and attendees can expect an inspiring and career-defining experience at SAC 2025.
