Sharjah: Sharjah Media City (Shams) recently hosted 'Claquette', an event that brought together directors, actors, scriptwriters, producers, and drama production companies, all united by their interest in the film sector. The event, themed "From Red Cinema to Stage," highlighted Shams' dedication to bolstering the local and regional drama content industry.
According to Emirates News Agency, the "Claquette" event functioned as a crucial link between writers and producers, offering a platform for presenting and discussing projects. This initiative underscores Shams' commitment to intertwining creative training with professional empowerment to ensure a sustainable impact. Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director General of Shams, noted the importance of creating an environment that nurtures talent and provides the necessary tools to transform ideas into viable projects. The success of the "Hekaya" project and the event's strong attendance affirm Sharjah's status as a regional hub for creativity and media production.
The event also showcased a visual presentation detailing the "Shams Studios" project, which aims to be a cornerstone of the film and media production industry in the region. This development includes six state-of-the-art studios spanning 10,200 square meters, designed to accommodate both local and international production companies by providing an advanced indoor filming environment.
A highlight of the "Claquette" event was the panel discussion "From Script to Screen," featuring industry experts such as Emirati actor and producer Ahmed Al Jasmi, writer and producer Mona Al Dhaheri, and producer Iyad Al Najjar. Moderated by media personality Osama Alfa, the discussion emphasized the need for high-quality scriptwriting and professional execution to bridge the gap between emerging talents and production companies. The panelists also addressed challenges posed by digital transformations and the necessity of evolving content to meet Arab audiences' expectations.
Ahmed Al Jasmi stressed the critical role of production support in the success of drama projects, highlighting "Claquette" as a model for connecting writers and producers. Mona Al Dhaheri pointed to the "Hikayah - Writing Room" as an exemplary initiative for developing scripts and nurturing talent. She emphasized that a strong script is the bedrock of successful productions and fosters a culture that values writers as essential players in the creative process.
Producer Iyad Al Najjar underscored the script's significance, describing it as the backbone of the production process. He advocated for early investment in promising scripts, which he sees as vital for content sustainability and success on screen.
The event also featured an interactive space where "Hikayah" writers presented their projects to producers, investors, and decision-makers, fostering opportunities for collaboration and development. Attendees lauded Shams' initiatives like "Hikayah" and "Idea Bank" for their role in empowering local talent and supporting a sustainable drama production ecosystem aligned with Sharjah's cultural vision.