The animation films Ayny by Ahmad Saleh and Karouma by Boubaker Boukhari will screen as part of an Arab animation program organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi on Thursday, February 7at 07:00 PM. The films are distributed by MAD Solutions in the Arab world.

The Department of Culture and Tourism regulates, develops and promotes the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as an inspired global destination, rich in cultural authenticity, diverse natural offerings and unparalleled family leisure and entertainment attractions, with the aim of supporting Abu Dhabi's evolution into a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction.

About Ayny:

Based on true events, Ayny follows two young boys who run away from their mother's protection and slack line on the danger of war to play music with the instrument they always dreamt to own. The film is written, directed, edited and voiced by Ahmad Saleh, music by Nizar Rohana, animated by Frank Pingel, DOP Lionel Poutiaire Somé and produced by Stefan Gieren. Distributed by MAD Solutions in the Arab world, the film is a co-production between Germany, Jordan, and Palestine.

Ayny made its world premiere in the Muhr Short competition of the 13th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). The film won the Best of the Best award at the Zayed University Middle East Film Festival (ZUMEFF) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the Best Third Movie - Film Competition from Outside Iraq at the 2nd Qumrah International Film Festival in Iraq, the Student Academy Award for Best Foreign Animation, and the main award (Amarji Alsumaria) at the 2nd Amarji International Film Festival For Short Films in Al Najaf, Iraq.

About Karouma:

An animation film by director Boubaker Boukhari that follows Karouma, the unique gifted boy who is striving to break through and to leave his parent's nest to pursue his dreams and live his life in its full potential. The film is distributed by MAD Solutions in the Arab world.

Karouma took part in more than 70 international film festivals and won several awards, including the Best Animation Film Award at the New York International Short Film Festival, the Pennine Film Festival in the UK, the Comme Il Faut International Film Festival, the 4th Kraljevski Film Festival in Serbia, and the FILMMATIC Filmmaker Awards in USA. The film also won the Silver Remi Award at the 49th Annual International Independent Film Festival (Worldfest-Houston), an Animation Honorable Mention at the FARCUME International Festival of Short Film Faro in Portugal, and the Best International Expat Short award at the Korea International Expat Film Festival.