The inaugural edition of Animate Dubai, the GCC’s first international animation film festival will take place from 3 to 5 December at Dubai Design District. The three-day festival offers a weekend packed with animated films, themed talks, fun activities for all ages, and a chance to meet animation pioneers from all around the world. Organised by the Animation Chamber, Animate Dubai seeks to promote animation as an independent art form.
Arab and international animation professionals, amateurs, and students are invited to submit features, shorts, series, experimental, and commercial work across all genres of animation before August 20.
Animate Dubai is supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and has also partnered with d3, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Film & TV Commission, as well as some of the world’s greatest animation festivals, such as Annecy (France), Ta7rik (Tunisia), and Cyber Sousa in Xiamen (China) and several regional ASIFA.
The Animation Chamber, founder and director, Lina Younes explains: “In the past three years, we have grown and looked after a dormant sector here in the UAE, cropping up considerable talent and stimulating creative potential across a range of animation practices and techniques. The time has come to bring a punctual, tangible showcase of quality animation to UAE-based makers and fans alike.”
Plans to advocate the genre across UAE universities and institutions are also underway, beginning with AUD, AUS, and Zayed University, with aims to encourage the participation of emerging local talent and provide them with an opportunity to expand their proficiencies and widen their horizons. Animate Dubai’s film market intends to become an annual meeting point for novice animations, fresh talents, distributors, buyers, recruiters, and funding bodies.
Speaking of the partnership Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission and MD of Dubai Studio City commented: “Animation is an extremely important segment of film, and it is great to see an event focused purely on this sector for the first time in the region. The competition will not only raise awareness about the practices and techniques used within animation, but will also bring together local and international talent, as well as students, to network, share ideas, and to meet animation pioneers from around the world.”
