From Anime Fans to Arab Creators
Talk · Day 4 · Sun 25 October 2026, 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm · Aljada, Sharjah
From Anime Fans to Arab Creators is a talk exploring how Japanese anime has influenced generations across the Arab world and how that inspiration is now fueling original animation rooted in Arabic culture. Olfa Sakakibara, Producer at Toei Animation Europe, joins moderator Yasmeen Sinan to discuss the creative and economic realities of building globally competitive content that blends Japanese formats with Arab storytelling.
Key points include the cultural feedback loop between anime and Arab creators, the challenges of adapting and evolving animation for new audiences, and the potential of nostalgia as a strategic asset. By the end of this session, attendees will understand the opportunities and hurdles in shaping the next wave of animation from the region.
- Olfa Sakakibara — Producer — Toei Animation Europe
- Yasmeen Sinan — Media Communications Specialist