Dubai’s Culture & Arts Authority has officially launched applications for “Haraqat Sikka” (“Sikka Movements”), an intensive six‑week training initiative under the broader Sikka Platform, aimed at nurturing emerging talents in stop‑motion animation and visual storytelling. The program embodies Dubai’s commitment to empowering creative individuals and expanding the reach of its creative industries by providing space for experimentation, learning, and personal project development.
The training, offered in both Arabic and English, is open to residents and citizens aged 18 and above—students, filmmakers, designers, writers, and visual arts enthusiasts. No prior animation experience is required—just a genuine passion for storytelling through moving images.
Set within the atmospheric House No. 436 in the historic Al Shindagha district, the course unfolds from August 18 to September 26, 2025. Only ten selected participants will embark on this immersive journey, meeting three times a week under the mentorship of renowned director and artist Boubaker Boukhari, celebrated for blending folk narratives with handcrafted animation in a bold, experimental style.
Over the six‑week period, participants will be guided through all stages of stop‑motion filmmaking—from pre‑production and storyboarding to filming, editing, sound design, and music effects. They will also explore character design, scene composition, and sound recording. The program culminates in a public screening of participants’ short experimental animations as part of the Sikka Arts and Design Festival.
Beyond technical skills, “Haraqat Sikka” encourages participants to express their personal ideas and interests through unique visual narratives. They’ll gain hands‑on experience in festival preparation, including strategies for pitching and distributing their work at both local and international film events.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a brief written statement explaining their motivation and interest in animation by August 8, 2025, via the Dubai Culture website. Selection will be based on the clarity of passion and creative vision; applicants might be asked to provide a résumé or portfolio if available.
This initiative is more than a course—it’s a launchpad for storytellers to find their visual voice and to help shape Dubai’s growing status as a global creative economy hub.
