Sharjah 24: In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF), organised by FUNN, is set to enthrall the audiences with a lineup of 81 fascinating films from 37 countries worldwide.
The festival will take place from October 22 to 28, 2023, at Vox Cinema in City Center Al Zahia, presenting a diverse array of films, including contributions from countries making their debut appearances at the event—Kingdom of Bhutan, and the republics of Montenegro, Malta, Togo, and Vietnam.
This edition of the festival promises to be a cinematic extravaganza with the screening of three world premieres and the Middle East premiere of 43 films. Additionally, the "Green Carpet" platform will offer audiences the unique opportunity to interact with filmmakers and enjoy screenings of four outstanding films: "Nezouh," "Little Nicholas", "She is from Another Planet", and "Valley Road."
The festival agenda were revealed during a press conference held at Bee’ah Group’s headquarters in Sharjah yesterday (October 4). The conference was attended by Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN and SIFF; Director Mohammed Haji, and Ghada Abdelkader, Deputy Senior President of Crescent Enterprises, with the presence of numerous journalists and representatives of media institutions.
The festival will not only feature exceptional films but will also host eight talks and open discussion, led by prominent Emirati and international artists and directors. These sessions will delve into various aspects of the film industry, specifically tailored for children and youth.
A prominent of 15 directors and film experts, including notable figures such as Mohamed Haji, Ahmed Shawqi, Cho Sung-koo, and Ghadeer Al-Sabti, from the jury committee to evaluate the films across 7 different categories, including "Student Films", "GCC short Films," ‘International Short Films’, ‘Animation Films’, ‘Animated Feature Films’, ‘Feature Films’.
Moreover, twenty promising judges, including young participants for the first time from Syria and the Sultanate of Oman, will be entrusted with evaluating works submitted for the "Films Made by Children and Youth" category.
The festival will also celebrate 17 festival ambassadors, who serve as inspirational role models encouraging children to explore the world of cinema. Among these ambassadors are Alia Deaifis, Abdullah Al-Taweel, Majed Jumaa, Nour Saleh, and many others.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qassimi emphasised the festival's remarkable journey over the past decade, highlighting its contribution to supporting local and Arab cinema and its transformation into a global platform that fosters the artistic and creative values of children and youth. She expressed her gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, for their unwavering support, which has established the festival as a unique cultural entity in the local and Arab scene. She affirmed that the tenth edition of the festival would exceed audience expectations, offering a selection of the world's finest films and enriching initiatives to nurture children's knowledge and talents.
The festival has already attracted over 1,710 participants from 90 countries worldwide, including first-time attendees, underscoring its global significance.
In addition, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah announced the launch of the "Sharjah Film Days" initiative, an exclusive celebration of the first decade of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth. This week-long event, scheduled for next year, 2024 in Sharjah, aims to promote cultural exchange and embody the essence of Sharjah's cultural project.
This captivating event is tailored exclusively for cinephiles and promises a delightful blend of cinematic-inspired art installations, film screenings, enriching workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and a host of accompanying activities.
Muhammad Haji stressed the vital role of film festivals in nurturing emerging talents and emphasised the importance of aligning film presentations with contemporary realities to engage younger generations effectively.
Ghada Abdel Qader, Senior Vice President of Crescent Enterprises, commended the festival's role in fostering cultural and human connections among the youth and supporting their creative expression through the art of film. She emphasised the positive impact of the arts on society and expressed her pride in supporting purposeful artistic initiatives, with the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth standing out as a prominent example.
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