GCC's first international animation festival in Dubai this December

Animated films, themed talks, fun activities for all ages, and a chance to meet animation pioneers from all around the world will be the features of the first edition of Animate Dubai, which will take place later this year.

“This all-inclusive festival comes as a natural progression to our work,” says Lina Younes, Founder and Director of The Animation Chamber.

“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”.

The three-day festival will run from December 3-5 at Dubai Design District, the city’s novel creative hub.

The Animate Dubai team has extended the deadline for entries until 20 August, it said in a media statement, adding that Arab and international animation professionals, amateurs, and students are invited to submit features, shorts, series, experimental, and commercial work across all genres before the new deadline.

Animate Dubai is supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and has partnered with several entities, including d3, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Film & TV Commission, as well as animation festivals such as Annecy (France), Ta7rik (Tunisia), and Cyber Sousa in Xiamen (China).

It said in the media statement that 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.

“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,” said Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission and Managing Director of Dubai Studio City.

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