Sharjah: Free movie shows, media workshops, games and performances are drawing youngsters and their families to the fourth edition of the Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF).
Running until Friday at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, SICFF is held under the patronage of Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Shaikha Jawaher is the chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
The annual festival, which hosts film screenings and awards for children, is organised by FUNN, a Sharjah-based government organisation dedicated to promoting media arts among children and youth in Sharjah and the UAE.
Shaikha Jawaher, who is the director of FUNN and SICFF, said: “SICFF entertains thousands of children by offering them a unique opportunity to experience some of the best activities right here at home. The number of training workshops and diverse educational activities are designed to support young talents in various areas of media and creative arts.”
SICFF was established to promote the film industry, both locally and internationally, and to bring all the industry stakeholders together to promote budding talent in the region.
The festival is hosting shorts, features and documentaries to create visibility of movies and encourage the youth to demonstrate their creative skills in filmmaking.
This year’s edition will feature the work of renowned artists and media such as video, drawings, paintings and prints. During the festival, special spaces and photo booths will be allocated for visitors to take selfies and capture their emotions, identifying what home is to each of them through the medium of a minute-long film.
Also available is a range of creative workshops inspired by the festival’s films and artworks. Experts from the film industry will conduct trainings and deliver keynote addresses.
On the sidelines, there are interactive games and magic and comedy shows. The week-long festival will climax with an Awards Gala night where prizes will be given out to best categories of films.
There will also be a special workshop for children with special needs and films that were not selected at the film festival will be held.
What: Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival
Where: Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (near Sharjah International Airport)
When: October 23 to 28
Entry: Free
