Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), celebrated the premiere of the second season of the Saudi anime series “Future’s Folktales 2” in Riyadh on October 17, 2024. The event, held in the Saudi capital, drew prominent figures from media, arts, and culture, marking a significant step in promoting Saudi heritage through globally recognized anime production.
Context and Background
This premiere highlights Manga Productions’ commitment to producing content that reflects Saudi cultural identity innovatively. The series, which first launched to critical acclaim, continues to build on its success by blending traditional Saudi and Arab folktales with modern anime storytelling techniques. The event underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global creative economy, particularly in animation and entertainment.
Key Details
New episodes of “Future’s Folktales 2” will air weekly on Fridays at 5:00 pm Saudi time starting November 1, on MBC1 and the Shahid platform in the Middle East and North Africa. The series will also air in Japan on TV Tokyo starting Sunday, November 3, at 7:00 am Tokyo time. According to a press release by Manga Productions, this success is the result of a collaboration between 50 Saudi artists who contributed to character design, creative direction, and production in partnership with Japan’s Toei Animation studio. Manga Productions CEO Dr. Essam Bukhary said, “We are thrilled by the audience’s reaction, which reflects not only the high quality of the production but also the talent and professionalism of the Saudi creators behind this project. Manga Productions remains dedicated to producing world-class content.”
Implications and Impact
The international broadcast of “Future’s Folktales 2” on Japanese television reinforces Saudi-Japanese cultural ties and showcases Saudi Arabia’s creative capabilities on a global stage. This collaboration with Toei Animation, a studio renowned for iconic series, highlights the Kingdom’s ability to partner with leading industry players while nurturing local talent. The series serves as a cultural bridge, introducing Saudi narratives to international audiences and fostering mutual understanding.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy through creative industries, empowering Saudi youth in fields like animation and digital media, and promoting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage globally. Manga Productions continues to aim for new milestones in the anime industry, reaffirming its commitment to delivering works inspired by Saudi and Arab heritage that resonate with audiences worldwide, contributing to the Kingdom’s rise as a cultural hub.
20 Questions
Q1. What is “Future’s Folktales 2”?
A1. “Future’s Folktales 2” is the second season of a Saudi anime series produced by Manga Productions, blending traditional Saudi and Arab folktales with modern animation.
Q2. Who produced the series?
A2. The series is produced by Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), in collaboration with Japan’s Toei Animation.
Q3. When was the premiere held?
A3. The premiere took place in Riyadh on October 17, 2024, drawing attendance from media, arts, and culture figures.
Q4. Where can viewers watch the new episodes?
A4. Episodes air weekly on Fridays at 5:00 pm Saudi time starting November 1 on MBC1 and the Shahid platform.
Q5. Will the series air in Japan?
A5. Yes, it will air on TV Tokyo starting Sunday, November 3, at 7:00 am Tokyo time.
Q6. How many Saudi artists worked on the series?
A6. A total of 50 Saudi artists contributed to character design, creative direction, and production.
Q7. Who is the CEO of Manga Productions?
A7. Dr. Essam Bukhary is the CEO of Manga Productions, expressing pride in the high quality of the production.
Q8. What is the significance of the collaboration with Toei Animation?
A8. Toei Animation is a renowned Japanese studio, and this partnership elevates the series’ global reach and production quality.
Q9. How does the series promote Saudi heritage?
A9. It showcases Saudi and Arab folktales through anime, making cultural narratives accessible to international audiences.
Q10. What is Manga Productions’ mission?
A10. Manga Productions aims to produce world-class content that reflects Saudi cultural identity and contributes to the anime industry.
Q11. How does the series support Vision 2030?
A11. It diversifies the economy via creative industries, empowers Saudi talent, and promotes cultural heritage globally.
Q12. Who is the founder of the Misk Foundation?
A12. The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) was founded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Q13. What is the broadcast schedule for the series?
A13. New episodes air weekly on Fridays at 5:00 pm Saudi time from November 1, 2024.
Q14. What audience is the series targeting?
A14. The series targets audiences in the Middle East, North Africa, and Japan, as well as global viewers interested in anime.
Q15. How long is each episode?
A15. The press release did not specify episode length, but typical anime episodes run 22-25 minutes.
Q16. What genres does the series cover?
A16. The series blends fantasy, adventure, and cultural storytelling, inspired by traditional Saudi and Arab folktales.
Q17. Is this Manga Productions’ first anime series?
A17. No, it is the second season of “Future’s Folktales,” building on the success of the first season.
Q18. What role do Saudi artists play in production?
A18. They are involved in character design, creative direction, and production, alongside Japanese partners.
Q19. How does the series impact Saudi-Japan relations?
A19. It strengthens cultural ties and showcases collaboration between Saudi and Japanese creative industries.
Q20. What is the long-term goal for Manga Productions?
A20. To achieve new milestones in the anime industry and deliver works inspired by Saudi heritage that resonate worldwide.
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