The Sharjah International Childrens Film Festival (SICFF) has announced the shortlist for this years filmmaking competition. 2016 has seen a remarkable hike in the number of participants 425 films from 59 countries were submitted for review by the judges, a significant increase from the 286 films from 50 countries that were submitted last year. […]
The Sharjah International Childrens Film Festival (SICFF) has announced the shortlist for this years filmmaking competition. 2016 has seen a remarkable hike in the number of participants 425 films from 59 countries were submitted for review by the judges, a significant increase from the 286 films from 50 countries that were submitted last year. The films are geared towards children of up to 12-years-old and youth from 13 to 18-years-old; the shortlisted films will be screened indoors at JRCC and NOVO Cinemas and outdoors at Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba from the 23rd-28th October 2016.
SICFF is an initiative of FUNN, a Sharjah-based foundation that seeks to promote media arts and creative talent among youth in the UAE. FUNN is founded under the patronage of HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who aims to nurture and showcase the local talent of Sharjahs youth on the global stage.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN and Director of SICFF, comments: I am truly stunned by the quality of young filmmakers around the world. This year, we have seen a remarkable increase in quality filmmaking and have noted a refinement in the themes covered by our young talents. SICFF is still growing but in 2016, we have seen the highest participation rate for our festival, a total of 425 submissions, as compared to the 286 submissions we received last year.
The Director also added: All films hold a heartwarming message about family dynamics, environmental concerns, social justice issues and so on. Although we see movies with similar themes in cinemas, these festival films are remarkable as they are told through the eyes of a child. We are given a unique opportunity to relive worldly experiences through a simpler, uncomplicated lens.
A jury of respected individuals and filmmakers alike has been arranged to judge each individual film for its merits on sound morality, creativity, content, direction and core message. The judges whose names will be unveiled soon will also be looking out for films that have a local, regional or global message at its crux.
SICFF awards cover eight categories: Best Child Made Film, Best Student Film, Best Emirati film, Best Short Film from the Gulf, Best International Short Film, Best Animation Film, Best Documentary Film and Best Feature Film. However, attendees are urged to take note that the screenings will cover a total of nine categories: Films Made by Refugees, Short Films from the Arab World, Child Made Films, Films Made By Funn Students, Student Films, International Short Films, Animation Films, Documentary Films and Feature Films. A total of 121 films from 33 countries are due to be screened, with competitors from the UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, USA and many other countries in Europe, Asia and the MENA region. These 121 short films will compete for awards in the eight categories listed above.
Through SICFF, FUNN hopes to honour creative talents around the globe and create a platform for young filmmakers to be recognised for their hard work.
Sharjah International Childrens Film Festival 2016 sponsors are: Capital Marketing (Gold Sponsor), Gulftainer and Crescent Enterprises (Silver Sponsors), Emirates (Official Airline), Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (Government Partner), Al Shuala Media (Support Sponsor) and CENTRO Sharjah (Hospitality Partner).
