Sharjah Animation Conference Opens Entries For 3rd Edition Awards With $20,000 Prize Pool

The Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) is a significant event for animation professionals and emerging talents worldwide. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the conference will run from May 1 to 4 at Expo Center Sharjah. It invites global animators to participate in its awards programme, featuring categories like 'Pitch the Project Award' and 'Book Trailer Award'. The total prize pool is $20,000, with top winners sharing $10,000 in each category.

Participants in the Pitch the Project Award are encouraged to create a pitch for an animated series aimed at preschoolers or young children. The project should reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. The first-place winner will receive $5,000, while second and third places will get $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. This award aims to promote innovative storytelling in children's animation.

Submissions for the Pitch the Project Award must be in PDF format, limited to 15 slides and no larger than 20 MB. The pitch should include a captivating title, detailed character descriptions, a structured narrative, and an episode outline. Optional materials like character sketches and concept art can enhance submissions by showcasing artistic vision.

The Book Trailer Award recognises excellence in creating promotional videos for books. This accolade honours those who capture a book’s essence through engaging trailers. Inspired by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision, it highlights Sharjah’s cultural significance and its role as a publishing leader.

This year’s Book Trailer Award challenge involves creating a video for ‘Dooq Dooq’ by Shereen Sabbagh, published by Hachette Antoine. Part of the ‘Sakaker... Sweet Stories’ series, this book addresses hearing impairment themes to help children understand physical differences. More details are available on the official conference website.

The SAC not only celebrates animation innovation but also serves as a hub for creativity and collaboration among content creators globally. The four-day event features workshops, talks, film screenings, and exhibitions led by award-winning artists and experts to inspire professionalism within the industry.

Entries for the Pitch the Project Award close on April 15, while submissions for the Book Trailer Award are accepted until April 21. Winners will be announced during SAC's closing ceremony on May 4. This event offers participants a chance to connect with peers and explore new opportunities in animation.

With inputs from WAM