Sharjah: Organisers of the fifth edition of the Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF) have announced a six-day programme of film screenings, movie workshops and media arts activities for children.
This year, the festival, which begins on October 8, will showcase 124 films from 33 countries, chosen from among 500 films from all around the world.
The SICFF is organised annually by FUNN — Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children — a government organisation promoting media arts among children and youth in Sharjah and the UAE. It is held under the patronage of Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
Shaikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, director of FUNN and SICFF, said: “The festival showcases cinema as an indispensable modern means for learning and entertainment, highlighting its role in developing the capacity of young viewers in areas of discovery, imagination and knowledge. The SICFF does not only invite filmmakers to showcase their films but also collaborate with them on several fronts to provide training and development to children and youth in the magic world of movie-making.”
She added: “Aside from its role in entertainment, cinema is one of the most profitable industries in the world today. Through this festival and our other year-round activities, we seek to empower the younger generation in a way that those who wish to take up filmmaking and media arts as a career are fully equipped to do so.”
The festival will witness a strong competition for awards in seven categories, including Best Child-Made Film, Best Student Film, Best Short GCC Film, Best International Short Film, Best Animation Film, Best Documentary Film and Best Feature Film.
Besides the 37 children and youth who will evaluate and select the winner of the Best Child-Made Film, a 19-member jury will evaluate the entries in the remaining categories.
Film screenings will be held in several locations in Sharjah, including shopping malls and public places. The festival will be a platform for professionals in the movie industry and others to connect with movie stars and celebrities, who will participate in associated events, like workshops, training courses and seminars that allow people to show more interest in film.
