An Arabic sci-fi animation drama captivates audiences in ‘Ajwan’
FUNN, an organization devoted to promoting media arts learning among children and youth, has launched a first-of-its-kind epic sci-fi animated television drama, Ajwan, in partnership with Dubai-based animation studio Barajoun Entertainment on Shahid, the largest Arabic content streaming platform and an affiliate of MBC Media Group. The video marks a new milestone for Sharjah.
In a ceremony at the Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology, the launch of the highly anticipated series was announced with Syrian singer and voice-over artist Rasha Rizq, renowned Egyptian actress Yusra, and actor Basel Khayat.
Animation plays an important role in instilling positive values and shedding light on the inner strength and capacity of women to overcome challenges, as demonstrated in Ajwan, winner of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature in 2013.
Ajwan tells the story of a 19-year-old refugee girl who embarks on an interplanetary journey in search of her lost son after the world has been decimated by an asteroid, save for a few survivors now lost in space. The series, also featuring diverse alien characters in outlandish settings, chronicles her perilous journey in deep space where she encounters an evil alien organisation seeking to rule the galaxy.
Commenting on the launch, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN, said: “The phenomenal production aligns with FUNN’s mission to invest in the potential of local and Arab creatives who are making qualitative strides in the Arab drama and film industry. The launch of Ajwan ushers in a new era of original creative output in the UAE that will spark creativity and give wings to the imagination of children and youth.”
For her part, the young adult science fiction author Noura al Noman said that Ajwan sends out a general message that literature has one role, which is to make humankind better. A more specific message concerns youth who are the key to our future and must not be used to fuel crises, she said.