Creation, Inspiration And Innovation At The MEFCC Workshops

Middle East Film and Comic Con’s pop culture experts have a treat in store, as the region’s biggest pop culture festival returns with a packed agenda of entertaining workshops and activities.

Fancy picking up some new skills or just listening to stories from world-renowned artists? At this year’s MEFCC Workshops, you can do both. One of the featured artists is David Angelo Roman, who is a Rick and Morty cover artist, will be teaching fans how to draw the weirdest characters in the universe.

David Angelo Roman is classically trained, having studied in Spain and Italy. He began his professional career as a mural and fresco artist, with emphasis in photo-realism and illusions. Always being a fan of comics, it was only a matter of time before he applied all his skills towards comic art.

For all those pop culture lovers who’d like to toggle between consuming and creating. There are a huge range of topics being discussed at various workshop rooms at the convention this year.

COMICS & MANGA

Want to launch your first comic book? “Kick-Off: A Guide to Starting Your Own Comic Book” workshop is designed to get your indie comic book out of your imagination and onto the page. What’s more? Enter a 24-hour creative challenge to win the award for best one-page comic voted on by international and local industry leaders. All participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the 3-day workshop.

Jordanian comic-book writer Zaid Adham and the Saudi artist Yasser Alireza will take their fans in a journey with their first comic book series. ‘Wayl’ – Arabic for woe – brings the dark side of Amman to life, in a step-by-step presentation.

It wouldn’t be a comic con without comic artists, and so Manga artist and YouTube star Sophie Chan will present her inspirational journey, dreams and challenges. Chan is a self-taught Manga artist, who began drawing and writing stories when she was 7 years old, determined to reach her goal of having her own Manga series/Anime adaption.

Ever wanted to create the perfect villain for your original character and you don’t know where to start or how to do so? Don’t miss character creation session “CREATING A VILLAIN FOR YOUR COMICBOOK”. And for aspiring story creators, Canadian/British cartoonist and comics educator Matt Smith (table C.F01 in Artist Alley) will show you everything you need to know to make your first comic! Learn how to create expressive characters, show movement and draw sound. Everyone is welcome, but this workshop is perfect for kids age 7 and up! No previous drawing experience is necessary and all materials are provided. 45 minutes.

The author of Ocean of Secrets Manga series published by TOKYOPOP and Manga Workshop Characters will provide tips and advice for up-and-coming Manga artists.

COSPLAY

For anyone looking to get into Cosplay (the craft of creating character costumes), Cavin Lam a cosplayer based in Hong Kong will be on hand to give a 101 on costume creativity and prop making.

MEFCC THEATRE

With a fresh take on delivering unmissable content and access to the world’s stars, the MEFCC Theatre is the perfect place to chill after a long day of shopping and gaming. The MEFCC Theatre seats 200 people and will be running across all days of the show and is free to enter on a first-come, first-served basis. VIP Ticket Holders get priority access.

Screening highlights include a viewing of Hellboy and Peacemaker Kurogane. Don’t miss a variety of celebrity panels including:

• “From soulful to Soul Stone” in conversation with Avengers’ star and The Walking Dead actor, Ross Marquand
• “Shazam!” Q&A with Zachary Levi
• “Finding your voice(s)” in conversation with one of the world’s leading voice actresses, Tara Strong
• “Making Sonic Waves” in conversation with Arrow star, Katie Cassidy
• “If you think this is a happy ending…” Game of Thrones panel with the show’s own bad-boy Iwan Rheon & original concept artist for the show, William Simpson

MEFCC is back this year with full force, bringing fans some incredible workshop experiences covering a wide array of topics in the comic and pop culture sphere – with everything from comic drawing master classes to comic career tips. Workshops will take place within MEFCC in dedicated classrooms outside the Main Hall at the Dubai World Trade Centre every day of the festival. Visit the website for full schedules: www.mefcc.com