JEDDAH — Ayman Jamal, Founder and Executive Producer of Barajoun Entertainment, a Dubai-based animation and visual effects studio, shared insights as a prominent speaker at the ‘20-Minute Talks' session during the 14th edition of the Arab Media Forum recently held at Madinat Jumeirah. In his much-anticipated address, Jamal discussed the film production gap in the region and introduced Barajoun Entertainment's soon-to-be released animated feature, Bilal. Organized by Dubai Press Club under the theme ‘New Perspectives', the event convened more than 2,000 media elite, intellectuals, and researchers from over 27 Arab and foreign countries. During his 20-minute interactive session, Jamal addressed the challenge facing the MENA region due to the limited home-grown productions that illustrate and convey regional content and stories to a global audience. Jamal also discussed the importance of bridging the film production void and positioning the Arab region's body of film making globally. More significantly, Jamal invited the region's film fraternity to share their regional stories of humanity and bring their unique perspectives to the world. Speaking of his participation at AMF 2015, Ayman Jamal said: “The Arab region in general and the UAE - specifically Dubai - need to establish a more impactful presence in the global film production industry. Small efforts have already begun to cause ripples with local film festivals gaining international renown, and with the government of Dubai putting in place an enabling environment for interested filmmakers. However, much remains to be achieved. The world of animated film, for instance, is an exemplary platform to communicate enchanting stories with powerful messages. These films can showcase global and social values, and help build bonds that transcend borders.” Through his participation at the key media event, Ayman Jamal hopes he encouraged creators, animators, and visual effects studios in the region to develop and share computer-generated productions and stories with the world. Given the right incentives and motivation, the film maker believes the region will witness the establishment of a sophisticated and dynamic film production industry and create transformative content as well as new job opportunities. In the course of his interactive session, Jamal introduced Bilal. Sharing his conviction that the animated feature film will encourage the growth of animated film making in the region, he said Bilal would challenge the norms of storytelling, transcend cultural and social barriers, and overcome stereotypes to bridge the gap that exists between films in the Arab region and global cinema. — SG
