How Buzz Spoke Arabic
Panel · Day 1 · Thu 22 October 2026, 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm · Aljada, Sharjah
How Buzz Spoke Arabic is a panel exploring how beloved animated characters are transformed through Arabic dubbing, using Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear as a case study. Featuring Essam Al Sayed, Play Director at the National Theatre of Egypt, Jehan Al Nasser, Professor of Voice at the Higher Institute of Arabic Music, and director and animator Doug Sweetland, the session examines the creative collaboration between original animation and regional adaptation.
Key points include the artistic decisions behind adapting performance and emotional tone for Arabic audiences, the challenges of translating humor and cultural nuance, and how animation and voice work together to shape character identity. By the end of this session, attendees will understand the complexities and creative choices involved in bringing global animated icons to local audiences.
- Doug Sweetland — Director & Animator
- Jehan Al Nasser — Professor of Voice, Higher Institute of Arabic Music — Academy of Arts, Cairo
- Adham Sayed — Director