Jeddah communication conference explores anime's digital evolution
RIYADH: The eighth session of the Digital Communication Conference, titled 'Anime in the Digital Space,' explored the transformation of Japanese anime over the past two decades, highlighting the impact of digital innovation and the internet.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the session focused on anime's shift from traditional television broadcasts and DVDs to digital platforms, including live streaming, instant subtitling and cloud-based production.
Streaming giants such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation were highlighted as pivotal players in the transition, offering translated or dubbed episodes immediately upon release and funding original series such as 'Devilman Crybaby' and 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.'
Speakers in the session, including Manga Productions CEO Essam Bukhary, said that social media and online forums have opened the door to unprecedented engagement among fans, as well as community and cultural interaction, since audiences now take part in evaluating episodes.
Concerns were raised that heavy dependence on technology could erode the handcrafted aesthetic that defines traditional anime.
Saudi Arabia's burgeoning interest in manga and anime, which dates back to the 1970s, is helping to usher in a revolution in cultural production.
Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture and education has made them of great interest to Saudi society.
To support this interest, the General Entertainment Authority has hosted events like the Saudi Anime Expo, drawing international visitors.
In line with these efforts, the ministries of culture and education launched the Manga Education program to nurture student talent, as well as integrate arts and culture into public education.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
2 hours ago
- Leaders
Buraidah to Take Part in UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference
The Saudi city of Buraidah will participate in the 17th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), along with other 350 creative cities across over 100 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Set to take place from June 23 to 26 in Enghien-les-Bains, France, the conference will discuss the integration of artificial intelligence into cultural development. Represented by Qassim Chamber Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Buraidah's participation comes as a culmination of Qassim's continuous efforts to support the creative city file. Importantly, the event will foster sustainable urban growth and tackle the evolving relationship between technology, culture, and sustainability. Themed 'Culture and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of UNESCO Creative Cities,' the conference will also address the opportunities and challenges of the AI. Moreover, the event will offer a significant opportunity to boost the strategic direction and global impact of the Creative Cities Network. Therefore, it will serve as a platform to accelerate the localization of the 2030 Agenda's cultural objectives. By strengthening dialogue with relevant stakeholders, the event broadens the impact and outreach of the Network and its member cities. Related Topics: Buraidah Oasis Achieves Milestone towards Environmental Sustainability Kleija Festival 2025 to Kick Off in Buraidah Buraidah Ready to Kick off Dates Carnival Buraidah Summer Festival 24 Attracts Visitors with Diverse Events Short link : Post Views: 16
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Review: Ginny & Georgia
The emotionally charged third season of Netflix's 'Ginny & Georgia' dropped earlier this month and has hovered steadily in the top 10 shows in the Kingdom since. This season, the show focuses even more strongly on the fast-talking, faster-thinking Georgia, a single mother with bleached-blonde Southern belle looks whose dark past is fast catching up with her. Flashbacks — some heartbreaking, others alarming — offer glimpses of her past life. The story picks up moments after the dramatic finale of season two. Georgia is arrested, still wearing her wedding dress after a picture-perfect ceremony with Paul Randolph, the town's popular mayor, as her two children and the whole town look on in horror. The death of a seemingly minor character triggers a chain reaction that threatens Georgia's carefully cultivated fairy-tale life. Mayor Paul must decide between his new bride and his political career. He chooses the easy way out, but everyone knows there is no such thing. His life gets increasingly more complicated — as do the lives of every man, woman, and child drawn into Georgia's orbit. They love her anyway. But at what cost? The headlines swiftly label Georgia the 'Mayoress Murderess.' This is not just a catchy phrase. We soon find out that she has been accused of murder before — and more than once. Is she a serial killer? But this is not only Georgia's story. Ginny, her 16-year-old daughter, is a budding poet trying to navigate a new chapter in her life, while dealing with school pressures, fragile friendships, and the growing realization that she is now the one keeping her mother in line. Meanwhile, Ginny's younger brother Austin ditches his dark-rimmed, Harry Potter-style glasses with no lenses — his emotional security blanket in earlier seasons — and begins shedding his childhood innocence. He is no longer someone who can be overlooked. The comparisons to the cult classic 'Gilmore Girls,' which aired from 2000 to 2007, still apply. Like Lorelai, Georgia is a teen mom who ran away from her hometown to raise a daughter on her own, far away from the parents she never got along with. But Ginny, Georgia, and Austin do not live in Stars Hollow. They settled in the fictional town of Wellsbury. Amid the drama, the show does not shy away from more challenging subjects, including eating disorders, self harm, and depression, which are handled with more nuance than in earlier seasons. When a new life-changing secret is revealed in the final minute of the finale, the stage is set for an inevitable fourth season.
Leaders
a day ago
- Leaders
Saudi Culture Ministry Launches National Cultural Awards 2025
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture has launched the fifth edition of the National Cultural Awards to honor unique talents in the culture sector, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The ministry will open nominations for cultural sector awards soon to the public and the cultural community. Participants can submit their applications via the online platform and the evaluation team will review and select the winners. Interestingly, the 2025 edition will feature two new awards categories: the Handicrafts Award and the Cultural Media Award. In line with the Year of Handicrafts 2025, the new category will further support the handicrafts sector and encourage outstanding talents. Meanwhile, the second new category will honor the efforts of individuals and institutions for their pivotal efforts in promoting cultural media. The annual event basically consists of five awards, as follows: Cultural Personality of the Year Award Youth Culture Award International Cultural Excellence Award Businessmen and Women Award Cultural Institutions Award Moreover, it highlights other awards dedicated to sub-cultural sectors, such as: Film Award Fashion Award Music Award National Heritage Award Literature Award Theatre and Performing Arts Award Visual Arts Award Architecture and Design Award Culinary Arts Award Publishing Award Translation Award Overall, the initiative stands as a testament to the ministry's dedication to supporting cultural production and encouraging national cultural talents. The ministry will receive the applications through the following link: Related Topics: Saudi Crown Prince sponsors the closing of the 'National Cultural Awards' HRDF Wins Two Gold Awards at EMEA Customer Service Event Saudi Arabia Secures 23 Awards at ISEF 2025 Short link : Post Views: 15 Related Stories
