Registration for SIFF’S ‘Junior Jurors’ programme is open

SHARJAH: The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) organised by FUNN, a Sharjah-based organisation that promotes media arts among children and youth in the UAE, has announced the opening of registration for its ‘Junior Jurors’ training programme till May 15, 2022. The programme is designed to support and develop the capabilities of talented children and youth as they aspire to be jury members in the Child and Youth-made Film category at the ninth edition of the festival set to kickstart in October.

Children and youth in the 12 – 20 age group with a passion for cinema and a talent in filmmaking are welcome to apply. Excellent communication skills, cooperation and teamwork are also expected from prospective applicants. The registration can be done online at htps://siff.ae/ junior-jurors-2022-registration-form/.

WORKSHOPS: The festival’s management will select 40-50 participants and offer them training workshops from July until October 2022.

The first workshop, slated to take place from July 25-28, will introduce SIFF and previous junior jurors to the participants, while the second workshop from August 15-18 will include training the participants to analyse and critique a set of films.

In the third workshop to be organised from September 12-15, jurors will present their critique about a film of their choice and will also receive training on selection of the winning film. The fourth workshop, expected to take place from October 3-4, will set the assignments of the jurors and prepare them for the festival. The last workshop on October 9 will comprise preparations for the SIFF opening ceremony.

Expressing hope and enthusiasm in moulding a generation of creative youth, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN, and SIFF said: “The progress of the film industry in the UAE and the region requires investing in a new generation of creative children and youth, be it in film making or film critiquing, and honing their ability to identify quality and special films. The festival complements its vision to support and nurture creative young filmmakers through offering them the opportunity to learn and gain experience in film critique. It is therefore a comprehensive plaform for children to explore the film industry.

“This is an open call to all children and young adults who wish to participate, especially those who have a passion for learning and acquiring skills in assessing films and appreciating their aesthetics. At FUNN, we look forward to creating a generation of filmmakers who share expertise and experiences and who explore new cultures, arts, and techniques,” she added.

During SIFF, the junior jurors will also take part in the panel discussions curated by the festival’s management.