From May 1 to 4, 2025, Expo Centre Sharjah will come alive with creativity, innovation, and storytelling magic as the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) returns for its highly anticipated third edition. Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority in collaboration with Italy’s Bergamo Animation Days, this four-day event is set to be a landmark celebration of animation, bringing together industry legends, emerging talent, and cutting-edge technology from around the world.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Animation Icons
Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 boasts an incredible roster of speakers and workshop leaders, including:
- Tom and Tony Bancroft, Disney veterans behind beloved classics like Mulan, Aladdin, and The Lion King, who will share their expertise in character design and comedic animation.
- Sandro Cleuzo, the visionary artist known for Tarzan, Anastasia, and Chip’n Dale, who will reveal his inspiring journey from fan to Disney animator.
- Studio Ghibli’s Finest, including producer Masayuki Miyaji (Tales from Earthsea) and composer Tamiya Terashima, offering rare insights into the magic of Japan’s legendary animation studio.
- Over 70 international experts such as Brian Wilson (Zero Gravity Studios), Comfort Arthur (The Art of Visual Storytelling), and Nicolas Monteiro (Blue Spirit), who will explore the latest trends in AI, VR, and global content distribution.
What to Expect Each Day
Day 1: Global Animation Trends & Collaboration
Kick off with hands-on workshops by the Bancroft brothers and Sandro Cleuzo, followed by discussions on AI’s impact on children’s animation and the rise of studios from the MENA region and Africa. The day concludes with a spectacular live Disney soundtrack concert.
Day 2: Storytelling Meets Technology
Dive into VR storytelling with V-Nova Studios, experience anime music sessions with Tamiya Terashima, and get behind-the-scenes insights from Kumiko Habara (Bandai Namco). A special panel on Women in Animation highlights diversity and inclusion, while a tribute celebrates 90 years of Arabic animation.
Day 3: Spotlight on Japan
Explore the evolution of anime with industry leaders like Hiroki Tanaka (YTV) and Ayako Noguchi, and master webtoon artistry with Park Chang-Ha. Participate in workshops on digital animation and voice acting, capped off by a Japanese-themed concert.
Day 4: From Page to Screen
Learn manga-to-anime adaptation from Inoue Shinichiro and webtoon creation from Koo Eun-Min. Sandro Cleuzo returns for a fantasy character design workshop, and Nicolas Monteiro offers guidance on pitching projects to investors. The conference wraps up with a Movie Soundtracks Concert and closing ceremony.
Why You Can’t Miss SAC 2025
- Hands-On Learning: Over 26 workshops and masterclasses covering everything from scriptwriting to AI-driven animation techniques.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading studios like Warner Brothers, ZDF, and Spacetoon during exclusive roundtables on global broadcasting trends.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience a unique blend of Middle Eastern narratives and global animation styles, fostering creative collaboration.
- Competitions & Awards: Showcase your creativity in the Pitch the Project contest focused on preschool content or compete for the Book Trailer Award celebrating literary adaptations.
Event Details
– Dates: May 1–4, 2025
– Location: Expo Centre Sharjah
– Tickets: Starting at AED 59