As part of Dubai Art Season, the Arabian Gulf region will see the launch of its first annual, international animated film festival: Animate Dubai, kicking off April 22-25. The organizers hope the event will help promote animation as an independent art form in the area by creating a platform for UAE universities, animation schools and institutes to showcase regional talent while providing aspiring animators with a chance to hone their skills.
“The UAE is home to an animation sector that shows considerable talent and creative potential. Animate Dubai strives to encourage UAE-based animation makers and fans to provide them with an international showcase. It is the first in the region to create the infrastructure catering to the industry’s bloom,” Animate Dubai founder Lina Younes told WhatsOn.ae.
The four-day event will feature workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, live performances and film screenings. Works will include Arab shorts, Arab student shorts, international shorts, international student shorts, feature films and commercials, which will be open for public viewing. Details can be found at animatedubai.com.
Awesome! It’s great to hear about new animation festivals coming up in regions that aren’t internationally known for animation. I hope that some of the work featured there will make its way out to the rest of the world.