Roundtable
The path to success. How a local animation brand can enter the global market
august 27 / 10:00 – 11:00
Eisenstein Hall
Animation requires significant investment in content production, and many studios view expansion into international markets as a necessary step in their development cycle. However, transitioning from producing content for local markets to the international stage involves specific steps and efforts, including budget adjustments, creative considerations, and the engagement of foreign specialists. Attending international events, participating in pitch sessions, and submitting to festivals also play crucial roles.

In this session, representatives from studios in various countries will share their experiences in bringing their animated products to the global market, discussing the opportunities this opens up and the challenges it entails.

  • What should a local animation brand know and consider when entering the international market?
  • Is there interest from global markets in local content?
  • The role of international markets and festivals in promoting animation projects globally.
Moderator:
  • Moderator: Vera Obolonkina
    Editor-in-Chief, Karusel TV channel
Speakers:
  • Mahmoud Hemeda
    Founder and CEO, Samaka studios, Co-founder of Egypt’s biggest animation festival, Animatex (Egypt)
    Mahmoud Hemeda is an Egyptian Animation Director, CEO/Co-founder of Samaka Studio, and Co-founder of the Animatex Animation Festival (Egypt’s largest animation festival). A graduate of the High Cinema Institute, Hemeda has 15 years of industry experience. His work includes TV commercials, cinema, and short films featured in international festivals. In 2018, he co-founded Samaka Studio with the goal of elevating Egyptian and African animation on a global scale. Hemeda also teaches animation courses.
  • Abdul-Aziz Othman
    CEO, Zeez Animation Saudi Arabia (KSA)
    Abdul-Aziz Othman is an integral figure in the Middle East’s animation and children’s content landscape. He founded Zeez in 2015 to address the lack of regional kids' content. Currently serving as CEO, he leads the studio’s commitment to crafting culturally relevant and positively entertaining content. In addition to his role as CEO, Abdul-Aziz works as an animation producer and screenwriter. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from KFUPM and lives in Saudi Arabia.
  • Ankur Bhasin
    CEO Encore Media and founder & secretary of Media & Entertainment Association of India (India)
  • Albina Mukhametzyanova
    CEO, animation company YARKO
    Albina Mukhametzyanova is a producer and expert in the creation and promotion of children’s animation projects, with over 18 years of industry experience.
    From 2006 to 2020, she worked at the Riki Group, where she produced animated series such as "Tima and Toma," "DinoCity," and "Monsiki."
    In 2021, she became the head of the animation company YARKO, part of the Gazprom-Media Holding. Today, YARKO handles the full animation production cycle, with a portfolio of 15 projects aimed at a family audience.
  • Mohammad Sarshar
    CEO, Shams Animation (Iran)
    Mohammad Sarshar is an Iranian author, scenarist, senior manager, and animation producer.
    Mohammad Sarshar was born in 1981 in Shiraz, Iran. He has PhD in cultural management and has published five novels and fiction books in Iran. He has also written two animated series and a feature animated movie and produced many animated series.
    Mohammad Sarshar is the founder and CEO of Shams Animation Company, which is now one of the top ten animation companies in Iran.
    In 2021-2022, he was the Cultural and social deputy of the first vice president of Iran.
    From 2014 until 2021, he was the head of Iran TV's children's channel. Before that, he was the head of art production organizations for children in Iran for several years.