This weekend saw the successful conclusion of the 2019 edition of MASmash, organised at Manarat Al Saadiyat by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 12th Feb, 2019) This weekend saw the successful conclusion of the 2019 edition of MASmash, organised at Manarat Al Saadiyat by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The event, which gave members of the public the chance to meet some of the stars of Arabic-language animation series, as well as the shows’ creators, was brought to a successful end after receiving more than 2,000 visitors in three days, some of whom travelled specially from neighbouring GCC countries to attend.
The weekend’s event explored the world of animation, its characters and the region’s developing digital animation industry through a series of fascinating workshops, exhibitions, engaging panel discussions and immersive performances. The event gathered together the top animators and animation studios from the UAE, including creatives from Blink Studio and Cartoon Network, who shared their expertise and delved into the history and future of animation.
During the opening evening on Wednesday, the all-star class was joined by Sammy Clark, who sang some of the most famous theme songs from Arab animation shows of the 1980s and 1990s. He also took part in a dialogue session with other stars behind favourite cartoon characters, including Jihad Al Atrashi, the voice actor of the Grandizer character, and Amal Huwaijeh who voiced Captain Majid.
On the second day, visitors to MASmash were be able to meet Falah Hashem who voiced Adnan in the series Adnan Wa Lina. An interactive show followed, featuring songs from the much-loved animated movie Beauty and the Beast along with workshops from the MAS Art Studio on the art of surrealism manga and much more.
The event’s conclusion on Friday focused on the future of animation in the region through a series of interactive panels and shows featuring animators from the UAE. There was also a talk and screening of the trailer for the much-anticipated animated movie Catsaway, showcasing the UAE’s modern animation industry. Visitors enjoyed a closing performance by Tarik and Mohammad Al Arabi Tourgane, composers and singers of Arab cartoon theme songs.
Alia Khalid Al Qassimi, Head of Manarat Al Saadiyat, said, "This fun-filled weekend not only explored the world of animation and its characters but also underlined our commitment to the growth of the arts sector. I hope that members of the public really enjoyed this event and that it also allowed those who participated to continue to flourish and thrive in the future growth of their industry."
