The Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC) 2026 has opened submissions for the Pitch the Project Award, inviting artists, writers, producers and creators to develop original animated series for children inspired by the cultures and traditions of the Arab region. Submissions are open until 1st October 2026.
Creators can develop initial concepts into complete pitch decks that cover the series, its world, characters, and narrative structure for presentation to animation industry specialists. A jury will select three projects to pitch during the conference.
Stories rooted in Arab culture
Projects should draw on stories, cultures and traditions from across the region and reimagine them through children’s animation. Creators can develop characters and worlds rooted in their cultural environments and turn them into concepts for content production.
The award is part of the SACC’s efforts to support talent working in the sector and provide a space that brings creators together with animation professionals, producers and industry organisations. It also encourages the development of original projects based on local content.
Presenting the project in 15 slides
Applicants must submit a PDF pitch deck of no more than 15 slides and 20 MB, covering the series title and concept, characters and settings, and the structure and main narrative elements of a typical episode.
Artwork or mood boards may also be included to illustrate the project’s visual identity and world, giving the jury a clearer sense of what the series could look like.
Three finalists to pitch at SACC
A specialist jury will evaluate the submissions and select three finalists to present their projects to animation industry professionals at the conference.
Entries will be assessed on creativity, originality, cultural identity and potential impact, with preference given to strong stories, clearly defined concepts and ideas that can be developed into animated children’s series.
The first-place winner will receive AED 15,000, followed by AED 7,000 for second place and AED 4,000 for third.
More information on eligibility and the submission process is available at https://www.sharjahanimation.com/awards/pitch-the-project
