Funding is key to future of animated feature films in Arab world

MEKNES - The future of feature Arab animated films in the Arab world is tied to funding, said Arab experts at the Meknes International Animated Film Festival.

“Funding is one of the biggest challenges that we can face. In order to get funds, you have to prove that you can finish your project, market the film which must be good quality,” said Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha, who made “Saleem” the first animate feature film in Jordan.

“I funded a major part of the film and obtained funding from other parties, including the Royal Film Commission,” said Sharaiha, calling on Arab anime directors to be creative in find ways to fund their films.

Egyptian anime director Ahmed Hamouda said that funding is the main hindrance in the sector.

“It’s very difficult to find an investor who is willing to invest in an animated feature film,” said Hamouda.

“Feature films need people who have patience and resilience to carry on their work which can take years to accomplish,” he said, citing Sharaiha’s film as a good example.

“There is a lot of money in the Arab world that is being invested in different industries. But no studio has been able to prove to Arab investor that the animated films can be make money,” Hamouda added.

The Jordanian anime director said that big challenges and obstacles should be surmounted by independents filmmakers in order to achieve their dreams.

Distribution and marketing

Sharaiha said one of the main things that help market a film if the media’s support besides the critics’ work.

“The media plays a huge role in marketing the film and the presence in social networks is crucial because it triggers debates that add to its fame across the world,” said Sharaiha.

The Jordanian anime director also called for the support of cultural authorities, schools and civil society in order to the anime industry across the Arab world.

Sharaiha said that feature animated Arab films are still new in the Arab world and there was a long road ahead before they succeed in attracting huge crowds at cinemas.

Hamouda said the first feature-length Arab animated film “the Knight and the Princess” did make a staggering success in Egypt.

“It is an experience that we can learn from,” he said.

“Arab children are used to watching quality animated films that that cost at least $150 million. Thus, there should be a reasonable quality work from Arab filmmakers that will not make children feel the difference,” he added.