'Nezouh', 'Sukoon', 'Silkworm' and 'Titina' claim top awards; all festival proceeds donated to Palestine relief fund.
The 10th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) , held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, came to a close on October 27, 2023. The closing ceremony took place at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park and was graced by prominent figures from the world of Arab cinema and drama.
At its grand finale, the festival celebrated the exceptional filmmakers and directors across seven distinctive categories. Soudade Kaadan’s Nezouh won the award for the Best Feature Film, while the Best GCC Short
Film accolade was claimed by Sukoon, directed by Ahsan Minhas and Marwan Bakri. Hope created by Kanto Randresy, Oualid Laouer, Lucie Jean, Maxime Pitrou, and Henry Mbouen, clinched the Best Students Film award. In the young cinema category, Conscience, directed by Mujtaba Al-Hejji, earned recognition as the Best Child Made Film.
In the international category, Amir Honarmand’s Silkworm was hailed as the Best International Short Film, and Marjolaine Perreten’s Pebble Hill triumphed in the Best Short Animated Film category. Kaisa Naess’ Titina, was crowned as the Best Animated Feature Film. Special mentions were accorded to Cat Kiss by Hwang Soo-bin and Aleise by Abdullah Saharti.
In her address at the closing ceremony, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director FANN and SIFF, emphasised how the festival’s offerings had fostered creativity and inspiration among the younger generation. She said: “As we reach the culmination of the festival, we honor the artisans and storytellers whose films we passionately followed. Over five days, we were transported by more than 80 inspiring stories from around the world, all converging beneath the vibrant and creative cultural sky of our home.”
Further, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi reaffirmed the festival’s unwavering support for the children of Palestine by donating its proceeds towards aid for the children of Gaza and Palestine.
The closing ceremony also recognised the various partners of the festival including Sharjah Media City (Shams); Al Hilal Enterprises, Gulftainer, VOX Cinema, Al Zahia Theater, Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts, and Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park , City Center Al Zahia , Bee’ah Group (Silver Partner), and Sharjah International Airport.
