Doha, Qatar 6th February 2007- 'Al Sirdab Al Ajeeb' (Magic Cellar), broadcast exclusively on Al Jazeera Children's Channel, was awarded Gold and Silver World Medals at the 50th New York Festivals. 'Al Sirdab Al Ajeeb' (Magic Cellar), the first 3D animated series based on African culture, is the only animated television series in the world across all categories to receive a Gold World Medal.

Two episodes of 'Al Sirdab Al Ajeeb' (Magic Cellar) were awarded World Medals.  Episode 1, Where Stories Come From, was awarded a Gold and Episode 2, The Tortoise and the Elephant, was awarded a Silver. Both episodes were entered in the category Youth Programs (Ages 7-12) in the 2007 International Television Programming and Promotion Awards of the New York Festivals. 

'Al Sirdab Al Ajeeb' (Magic Cellar) is the first 3D animated series based on African culture.  The series marks the first time Africa's children see themselves reflected in an animated television series. The series is based on traditional tales, partially collected by conducting interviews with elders in African villages.

'Al Sirdab Al Ajeeb' (Magic Cellar), winner of 27 international recognitions, was commissioned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation and is a production of Chocolate Moose Media Inc. of Ottawa, Canada and Morula Pictures of Johannesburg, South Africa.  'Al Sirdab Al Ajeeb' (Magic Cellar) is exclusively broadcast on and distributed by JCC in Arabic.

-Ends- 

Al Jazeera Children's Channel
Al Jazeera Children's Channel (JCC), a Pan Arabic edutainment channel, was launched in September 2005. Through its unique concept and a range of own produced educational programmes, JCC opens up avenues for Arab Children to learn about different environments and cultures, as well as encourage them to learn and seek knowledge.

JCC's extensive range of programmes in Arabic appeals to and educates children aged three to fifteen. JCC produces about 40% of the broadcast programmes, and maintain a low ratio of cartoon slots (13%). JCC is the first Arabic Children's channel to present a debate show where Arab Children can express themselves and communicate their thoughts. Al Jazeera Children's Channel is also the first to produce thematic magazines in Arabic covering different educational subjects: Science, Health, Technology, Sports as well as a game show which includes general knowledge information, physical challenges and fun.

Al Jazeera Children's Channel has deployed state-of-the-art studios and facilities to ensure high quality TV production. JCC is committed to broadcasting new programmes for 6 of the 18 hours on weekdays and 7 of the 19 hours on weekends.

JCC is a free to air TV channel on Arabsat, Nilesat, and Hotbird reaching all Arab countries and Europe.

Qatar-headquartered, JCC has five regional offices in Cairo, Beirut, Amman, Rabat and Paris.

Press Contact
Loucia Isaac
Media Relations Officer
Tel: 4824347; Fax: 4824340
e-mail: press@jcctv.net

© Press Release 2007