Expo Centre Sharjah to host world-renowned animators

The Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) returns for its 3rd annual edition, taking place from May 1-4 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with an extensive programme designed for animation enthusiasts, students, artists and the broader community.

Headlining this year’s event are renowned Disney animators Tom Bancroft, CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios, known for his work on Disney classics, and Tony Bancroft, animator for iconic films such as “Mulan” and “Aladdin,” alongside celebrated character designer Sandro Cleuzo, known for Anastasia, Tarzan, and Chip’n Dale.

Notably, acclaimed artists Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima, both of whom have collaborated with Japan’s prestigious Studio Ghibli— celebrated worldwide for Spirited Away and Tales from Earthsea — will take the stage at SAC to share their creative journeys and behind-the-scenes experiences from working on some of the studio’s most iconic productions.

The programme is organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the supervision of Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of the Sharjah Animation Conference, in collaboration with Pietro Pinettie, the conference’s Artistic Director, ensuring a bold, international vision rooted in cultural and educational excellence.

Tickets are available starting from Dhs59 at sharjahanimation.com/tickets.

The first day features workshops by Disney animators Tom and Tony Bancroft on character design and comedic animation. Sandro Cleuzo will guide attendees through character development techniques.

Key highlights also include a panel discussion featuring Brian Wilson, Co-Founder of Zero Gravity Studios; Tariq Ali (Zanad, Egypt), and Andrea Bozzetto (Studio Bozzetto, Italy), who will explore animation as an effective communication tool.

Additionally, the “Growing Influence of Animation in MENA and Africa” roundtable will feature speakers Zümrüt Pakoy (Warner Brothers), Tariq Ali (ZANAD), Abdulaziz Othman (ZEEZ), Damilola Solesi (SMIDS Animation), and Raymond Malinga, highlighting regional animation growth, local talent, and global partnerships.

On May 2, participants will explore innovative storytelling methods, including immersive virtual reality sessions by V-Nova Studios. Workshops by renowned anime director Nobuyoshi Habara and discussions led by Maestro Tamiya from Studio Ghibli will offer deeper insights into anime music composition..

The “Women in Animation” panel will address the experiences, progress, and ongoing challenges women face in achieving representation and leadership roles within the animation industry, featuring speakers Damilola Solesi, Comfort Arthur, and Sarah Mallia.

“Anime Fusion: East Meets West (and Beyond!)” will explore the blending of animation styles, featuring Olfa Sakakibara from TOEI Animation and Nicolas Monteiro from Blue Spirit and Brain Comet.

The day concludes with “Broadcasting Animation: A Global Perspective on Content, Collaboration & Audiences,” a roundtable featuring executives from Warner Brothers, ZDF, and Spacetoon discussing trends in global animation broadcasting. The evening wraps up with Mohamed Ghazla’s insightful talk celebrating the “90th Anniversary of the First Arabic Animation,” exploring its rich history and legacy, moderated by Joan Baz of Mt7rk.

Dedicated to Japanese animation culture, May 3 offers deep dives into animation’s vibrant history and production techniques.

Hiroki Tanaka and Ayako Noguchi from YTV will present “60 years with animation and the future,” discussing pioneering anime storytelling and future trends.

Attendees can participate in Park Chang-Ha’s workshop on “The Art of Webtoons,” exploring global storytelling and creative webtoon production techniques. Director Ai Ikegaya from “Stick It on Around! Koinu” will lead an engaging hands-on workshop demonstrating digital animation production processes. Comfort Arthur will guide attendees through “The Art of Visual Storytelling,” a workshop focusing on crafting compelling narratives visually. Additionally, SAE Institute professionals will conduct practical workshops on scriptwriting, voice acting and dubbing, offering insights into creating impactful scripts and mastering vocal techniques for animation.

Sandro Cleuzo will share his personal journey from an animation enthusiast to a renowned Disney animator in “My Path to Animationland.”