SIFF 2022 to screen 95 films from 43 nations
SHARJAH: The 9th edition of Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) will be bigger this year with the screening of 95 films as rich narratives shaping children’s lives.
The selections coming from across 43 countries and led by the US, France, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea will reflect the diversity of voices showcased.
A number of titles, premiering for the first time in the Middle East and showcasing universal stories that encapsulate the themes of childhood, will push the boundaries of the medium in various genres including animation, shorts, features and documentaries at the 9th edition of the festival which runs from Oct.10-15 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, Sharjah.
During a press conference held on Monday at Vox Cinema, Al Zahia Mall, Sharjah, SIFF announced the vibrant agenda of the international event held under the theme ‘Think Film’, which features a series of discussion panels and activities, including a Green Carpet event showcasing six select films.
The press event was atended by Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN and SIFF; Ghada Abdelkader, Senior VP, Crescent Enterprises; and Emirati filmmaker Hani Al Shaibani, in the presence of journalists and media representatives.
Nurturing environment
Sheikha Jawahar emphasised that SIFF’S continuous success plays a pivotal role in bolstering Sharjah’s status as a cradle for arts and creativity.
She said that the 9th edition of the film festival translates the directives and vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to raise a new generation of young creatives, and benefits from the unwavering support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
Sheikha Jawaher said 95 films will be competing in 7 categories, including 12 films in the Child and Youth Made Films category, 16 in the Student Film category, 8 in the GCC Short Film category, 8 in the International Short Film category, 28 in the Animation Film category, 7 in the Documentary Film category, and 16 in the Feature Film category. The Director of FUNN and SIFF pointed out that festival visitors will have an opportunity to atend several discussion panels focused on the film industry and targeting youth and children. These include ‘Why do we visit festivals’, ‘Palestine: Forging connections through cinema’, and ‘Who’s Buying My Film?’