(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The six-day festival serves as a platform for professionals in the film industry to gain a deeper insight into childrens cinematic vision.
All preparations are completed for the 2nd Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival which will be held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre from October 19.
The six-day festival will be held under the patronage of Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
The festival serves as a platform for professionals in the film industry to gain a deeper insight into children’s cinematic vision with support from FUNN - Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children an organisation dedicated to promoting media arts for children and young people in Sharjah and the UAE in general.
Speaking about the festival Shaikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi Director of FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children and the Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival said “Adults should not underestimate young talent — they are capable of immense creativity and great production. I am quite sure that we in the UAE have the potential and capabilities that qualify us to produce successful films. Young Emiratis have many new ideas and the festival is the most suitable place to nurture the young talent and help them turn their ideas into successful film projects.”
She added “The festival mainly aims to combine education and entertainment while enriching culture and knowledge by exposing children to other global cultures and highlighting the importance of respecting the traditions and customs of all participants in this global cultural extravaganza. The festival is characterised by touching on children’s issues from their own perspective. It also attracts participants from South America Europe and Asia as well as the Middle East.”
Shaikha Jawaher said that film screenings would be arranged in two time slots morning and evening from October 19 to 24. The films target age groups of 4-7 years 8-13 years and 14 and above. Films will be shown in Sharjah at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre and Novo Cinema at Sahara Centre.
Another update in this year’s festival is the Children’s Film Competition which according to Shaikha Jawaher covers five categories — the best short film best feature film best animated film best documentary and best child made film.
The festival’s management has decided to announce the names of winners during the opening. In addition to the festival trophy the winners will also receive cash prizes.