Our Masarat grant programme has been designed to support the creative production and professional development of emerging artists, creatives and cultural practitioners in the region. The four Yemeni projects that were selected to take part of this initiative are Nerdo Animation Academy, Kitabat writers - in residence programme, 1941 Short Film and MaribGirls (Shila).
In this issue of our newsletter our focus will be on Nerdo Animation Academy that has recently established the first studio in Yemen specialises in animation. During its first phase of the programme, it has created a safe space for young people to learn and transform their passion for art and painting into animation. Nerdo Animation Academy has also recently launched a camp project, where the team is actively working on scriptwriting and digital drawing of animations including film characters and developing story boards. During the month of July, basic principles of animation were rehearsed. The camp is receiving great attention from the interested technical parties.
In the second phase, 12 trainees will be selected from the pool of participants for further, more advanced training including: drawing and animation programmes, screenwriting, filmmaking and marketing skills. Through the second phase, trainees will develop four short animated films tackling important themes in Yemen such as heritage and its preservation, enhancing the role of women, the importance of education in promoting the principle of coexistence, and climate change and environmental preservation. Films produced through the project will screened online at the end of the project.
Keep an eye on our next issue to learn more about the other grantees and projects.