Sharjah spotlights global storytelling at SAC

“Translation is far more than a linguistic process, it’s the exchange of culture and we’re inviting the globe into our worldview,” noted Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency, setting the tone for an insightful panel discussion at the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC 2025).

“Bringing Middle Eastern Stories to Global Audiences” brought together industry leaders to dissect the challenges and triumphs of exporting regional narratives worldwide, and Said was joined by Allegra Dami, CEO, and Ilaria Mazzonis, an Executive Producer at Mobo Digital.

The visionary ecosystem of Sharjah

Highlighting Sharjah’s role as a cultural hub guided by the vision and support of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Tamer Said noted the emirate has championed Arabic literature and storytelling through various initiatives and organisations under the umbrella of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), who are also the organisers of SAC 2025.

“We support creators across all media, from books to animation, ensuring our stories are rooted in our language and heritage,” Said emphasised.

Through participation in international book fairs and other platforms that champion translation, Sharjah has increased its global footprint.

Dami, whose parent company sold over 20 million children’s books to 70 nations globally, shared insights into its foray into animation.

“Animation translates stories into reality,” she noted, stressing the synergy between storytelling, visual artistry, sound design and music.

The concept of “glocal” (global + local) storytelling emerged as a cornerstone in their approach.