‘Claquette’ event connects writers with film producers

Sharjah Media City (Shams) organised a special event titled “Claquette.”

The event featured a remarkable artistic gathering, attended by a select group of directors, actors, scriptwriters, and producers, along with several drama production companies and those interested in the film sector.

The event, held under the theme “From Red Cinema to Stage,” represents a unique initiative that reflects Shams’ commitment to supporting the local and regional drama content industry.

The “Claquette” event, in turn, served as a practical link between writers and producers, providing them with a space to present and discuss projects and opening the way for real opportunities for production collaboration.

This reflects Shams’ commitment to linking creative training and professional empowerment to ensure sustainable impact.

In this context, Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director General of Shams, said that Shams emphasises the need to link creativity with realistic production opportunities.

It believes in the importance of providing an environment that nurtures talent and provides the tools and platforms that transforms from a mere idea on paper into a feasible project.

The positive outcomes from the “Hekaya” project and the remarkable turnout for this event are living proof of Sharjah’s position as a regional hub for creativity and media production in the Arab world.

At the beginning of the event, a visual presentation was presented revealing details of the “Shams Studios” project, which the city is developing to become one of the most prominent infrastructure projects supporting the film and media production industry in the region.

The project includes the construction of six advanced studios across an area of 10,200 square metres, equipped with the latest cinematic technologies.

This will be an ideal destination for local and international production companies, providing a professional indoor filming environment that eliminates the need for outdoor filming. The project represents a qualitative shift in Sharjah’s media infrastructure and responds to the growing demand for advanced production spaces in the country and the region.

As part of the “Claquette” events, a key panel discussion “From Script to Screen” was organised.

Moderated by media personality Osama Alfa, the session featured Emirati actor and producer Ahmed Al Jasmi, Emirati writer and producer Mona Al Dhaheri, and producer Iyad Al Najjar.

They discussed the importance of integrating the quality of dramatic scripts with professional execution, emphasising the need to build bridges between young talents and production companies. They also addressed the challenges of writing in light of digital transformations and the need to renew content to meet the aspirations of the Arab audience.

Emirati actor and producer Ahmed Al Jasmi pointed out that the success of any drama production is not complete without genuine production support that believes in the content and talent, noting that production companies play a pivotal role in transforming good scripts into impactful works that reach the audience.

He added that the “Claquette” event represents an effective model for connecting writers with producers, paving the way for the birth of new drama projects based on mature ideas and implemented within a professional environment that enhances the presence of local drama in the Arab world.

For her part, Emirati writer and producer Mona Al Dhaheri emphasised that the “Hikayah - Writing Room” project is an inspiring model for developing drama scripts and honing young talent. She noted that what distinguishes the project is its provision of an integrated practical path that begins with training and ends with presenting scripts to decision-makers.

Al Dhaheri added that a good script is the foundation of any successful production, and that empowering writers and giving them the opportunity to present their work instills a culture of appreciating the writer as a key driver in the creative process and enhances the quality of local and Arab drama content.

WAM