RIYADH: Many people wish they could turn their dreams into reality – and animation director Mahmoud Zaini is doing just that, illustrating his own imaginary world inspired by childhood movies and admiration for Saudi culture.
As a child, his appreciation for cartoons and comics was cultivated by newspapers, Japanese anime series, and films such as Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and Monsters, Inc.
“All Saudi newspapers had a comic strip on the last page that had some kind of social message,” he recalled in an interview with Arab News. “These comics grew into the famous Saudi Arabian YouTube animated series 'Masameer' in 2011.
“As Saudis, we grew up watching foreign cartoons that were dubbed into Arabic. These shows were mostly Japanese with mixed moral messages and cultural themes. Animation must be localized to tell younger generations stories that inspire them to become better human beings with a unique Saudi identity.”
Zaini also watched behind-the-scenes clips of Pixar's films and learned as much as he could about the art of animation. By the age of 10, he was creating his own animated short films.
“As a little boy, I always dreamed of my own stories coming to life,” he said.
Zaini believes that the great thing about animation is that it is universal and can appeal to both adults and children.
“Due to its abstract stylistic nature, it can also cross-communicate with other cultures and peoples from around the world. It is the preferred medium for children because it excites their senses and expands their imagination,” he said.
After graduating with a BA in Fine Arts and Animation from the California College of Arts in San Franciso, USA, Zaini started his career in the Kingdom in 2017 by creating commercials. In 2018, he launched Zaini Studios, which has grown through investment and a lot of hard work.
Between 2021 and the present, Zaini Studios has produced two Red Sea Film Festival intras and two Saudi Film Festival intras, involving both local and international talent.
“The turning point in my career as an animation director was when I worked on the opening of the Red Sea Film Festival in 2021,” he told Arab News. “I had to – with the help of Faris Godus and Sohayb Godus – present at the Red Sea Film Festival the idea of having a high-quality animated promo.”
Once the idea was accepted, Zaini contacted artists from around the region to work on the project, including Raghad Baidas, Husam Hamed, Riyad Al-Dossari, Yousef Albagshi and Ahmad Shawli for the music.
“These artists are the best in their fields and with their dedication we made this festival intro from scratch in three months. The intro had to represent a feeling related to artistic inspiration and following your passion,” he said.
Zaini's work reflects his experiences growing up in the Kingdom and he prides himself on creating animations that celebrate Saudi culture, heritage and lifestyle.
“I love reflecting all these authentic Saudi details in my stories and the environments I put the characters I create into,” he said. “I despise seeing Saudi artists create characters in foreign environments copied from well-known Japanese or American animations.”
He added that art must reflect something real to be unique, which can only happen when it includes your own stories and memories.
“This does not mean that you always include a Saudi symbol like the palm tree in your work, but you must always build on what resonates with you and reflects your own experience without copying what resonates with others,” he told Arab News.
“I like my stories to reflect something authentic about me. I had a very happy and positive upbringing. With many uncles, aunts and cousins with whom I shared many great stories.'
Zaini advises animators to cultivate a true passion for the craft and “the feeling that excites you as you strive for the end result.”
He said, “If this flame is kept burning through constant practice and determination to improve, it will eventually bear beautiful fruit.”
He added that it is paramount for an animator to have stories they want to tell and emphasized the importance of new ideas and stories.
“Animation is not only about moving lines and shapes, but also about imitating life, adding personality and building new worlds. As an aspiring animator, you have to love life and have a real thirst for originality to cultivate your artistic sensibilities.”
