Life

SICFF brings the youth and cinema together in unique ways

138 films watched, numerous workshops delivered in Sharjah

October 20, 2018

SHARJAH — A successful sixth edition of the Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF 2018) has come to a ceremonious close after an enthusiastic six-day celebration aimed at bringing the world of children’s cinema and media arts on one open, global platform. The closing ceremony was held on Friday at the festival venue, the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) here.

With 138 movie screenings representing a diversity of genres including student-made films and 12 world premieres, six interactive panel discussions, numerous workshops including sessions by animation and visual effects experts from the biggest names in television and film production, celebrity meet-and-greets, innovative competitions and numerous other activities, SICFF once again gave the UAE’s youth the opportunity to be introduced to the creative enterprise of filmmaking in a way that no other event in the region does.

The closing gala was attended by the festival’s jury members, SICFF organizers from FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children, filmmakers, directors, producers, social media influencers, and movie stars. An elaborate awards ceremony was organized to recognize all winning films at SICFF 2018, 40 participating filmmakers, jury members, child jurors, workshop trainers, sponsors, partnering organizations — UNHCR, UNICEF and Beyond Organization, and volunteers for contributing to this event’s success.

Among SICFF 2018’s seven winning categories, the award for the ‘Best Child Made Film’ went to “Mr. Horse” directed by Ramy Amr Zanaty and Yara Zendaki. The ‘Best Student Film’ was won by “The Chocolate Soldier” directed by Jackson Smith. In the category of ‘Best Short Arabic Film’, director Nada Alazhary scooped the award for her film “1 - 0”. The Best International Short Film award was won by “Elen” directed by Andy Newbury.

The remaining three categories included ‘Best Animation Film’ won by “The Basket” directed by Suresh Eriyat; ‘Best Documentary Film’ won by Paulo Patrício for his film “Surprise”; and finally, “My Giraffe”, which won Barbara Bredero the ‘Best Feature Film’ award.

Jury members, including a 35-member child jury of all the above-mentioned award categories were felicitated for their insights and efforts in selecting the best films. Awards were also given out to workshop trainers who came in from countries worldwide, and the volunteering team for ensuring the festival’s success.

Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, director of FUNN and SICFF, thanked all those who made the festival a success, and said: “Sharjah, emulating the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of his wife, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), dedicates its efforts to organising cultural events that engage children’s minds, ignite their curiosity and stimulate them to explore the future through knowledge, creativity and tolerance.”

“Through its six editions, SICFF has presented children with an exciting new avenue to explore, understand and appreciate Arabic and international cinema, and meet celebrated names in the media industry. We believe that the message of art and culture is more powerful than any other message, because it is the driving force of dreams and passion. At FUNN, we have designed a set of cultural goals to promote the stature of the UAE and the Arab world, and in achieving the same, we offer our youth creative platforms like SICFF that nurture their artistic skills and develop their talents and creativity,” she added.

Among the event’s 25+ partners and supporters this year were Crescent Enterprises (Gold Partner), Gulftainer (Gold Partner), Tilal Properties (Silver Partner), Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (Bronze Partner) Emirates and AGMC LLC (Official Carriers), Sharjah Government Media Bureau (Strategic Media Partner), Centro Sharjah (Hospitality Partner) and JRCC (Venue Partner).

Through the festival, young cinema lovers, aspiring media arts professionals and the general public received the opportunity to meet and learn from distinguished film and media personalities from around the world, including child actor Neel Sethi, Karishma Kapoor, Haifa Hussein, Abdullah Al Kaabi Brian Ferguson Simon Medard and several others.

The festival will continue in Khorfakkan, Dibba Al Hosin, Kalba, Al Dhaid, Al Madam, Al Hamriyah, Al Batayeh, with its last activity ending on the Nov. 22 in Al Batayeh.

Through SICFF and its other initiatives, FUNN aims to nurture future generations of creative artists in media and film and promote new works made by the UAE’s young filmmakers at international film festivals and conferences worldwide. Its larger goal is to foster talent through events locally and internationally and to form a close-knit network of talented young people who can share experiences and expertise on a global scale. —SG


October 20, 2018
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