Sharjah launches From Page to Screen initiative

November 10, 2025 / 5:03 PM

Sharjah 24: In a landmark move that bridges the worlds of publishing and drama production, the Sharjah Literary Agency (SLA) has partnered with Cedars Art Production (Sabbah Brothers), under the sponsorship of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), to launch ‘From Page to Screen’ — an initiative aimed at transforming outstanding Arabic literary works into high-quality television and film productions.

The agreement was signed by Tamer Saeed, Director of SLA; Lama Sadeq Sabbah, Producer at Cedars Art Production; and Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Events & Marketing at SBA, during the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025).

Complementary roles to achieve the vision

Designed to expand the reach of Arabic literature through visual media, the project aligns with Sharjah’s cultural vision of empowering Arab creatives on global platforms. Under the partnership, the Sharjah Literary Agency will manage the professional and legal framework of the initiative, beginning with the nomination of five literary works in its first phase. It will also oversee rights documentation, author agreements, and training programmes. Cedars Art Production will handle the creative and production aspects, assessing adaptability, appointing scriptwriters and directors, and providing artistic and technical consultancy. The Sharjah Book Authority, as the institutional sponsor, will manage overall coordination, provide media and logistical support, and nominate award-winning literary works for adaptation.

Building bridges between writers and producers

Tamer Saeed stated that the initiative embodies Sharjah’s vision of transforming literature into a multi-platform creative force: “This project opens new horizons for Arab literature. By managing rights and nurturing emerging talents, we ensure that these adaptations retain the authenticity of the original works while meeting international creative standards.”

Khoula Al Mujaini highlighted the project’s contribution to the regional creative economy: “It showcases Sharjah’s leadership in expanding the publishing sector to include cinema and visual arts, reinforcing the emirate’s role on the international cultural map.”

Lama Sabbah expressed pride in the partnership, calling it a model of Arab synergy in literature and drama: “This collaboration paves the way for productions that convey the human and artistic depth of Arabic literature through a universal visual language.”