Taking Local Stories Global
Talk · Day 1 · Thu 22 October 2026, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm · Aljada, Sharjah
Taking Local Stories Global is a talk exploring how Indian mythology can be adapted for international audiences through animation. Ashish Thapar, CEO of Hitech Animation Studio, presents Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata as a case study, examining the creative and strategic decisions behind bringing a culturally rich story to the global stage.
Key points include adapting mythology and tradition for worldwide appeal, balancing authenticity with accessibility, and navigating the production challenges of translating local narratives into animated features. By the end of this session, attendees will understand the complexities and opportunities of making culturally specific stories resonate with global audiences.
- Ashish Thapar — CEO — HiTech Animation Studios
- Nisrine Zawahra — Journalist & TV Presenter, Media Consultant & Trainer — Founder of Shadow & InkFluence