Film fest opens with inspiring stories for kids
sharjah — Young movie lovers were treated to an evening packed with inspiring, feel-good films on Sunday as the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF 2019) was officially inaugurated.
One short animation,Chin Up, told them the story of its director Jonne Salmon who has never allowed her rare genetic condition to stop her from going places, while another film featured a ‘travelling cat’.
Both captured the hearts of the crowd, especially the children who enjoyed every second of the show.
“The impressive turnout of the youth in SIFF 2019 has justified the confidence we have always placed in the talent and ambition of this age group, which led us to broadening the scope of the SIFF to include youth starting this year,” Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, director of FUNN and the SIFF, said in her keynote speech at the event.
More unique and engaging movies for kids and the kids at heart are lined up for the six-day festival that will run until Friday. In fact, the number of entries for this year’s film competitions was three times higher than the recorded number in the 2018 edition.
Aptly themed ‘Films Inspired by Books’, the fest is part of Sharjah’s year-long celebration of its recognition as Unesco World Book Capital 2019.
Kuwaiti actor Abdul Rahman Al Aqel, who was also at launch, hailed the SIFF as an extraordinary event. “This platform is shaping the youth’s future by engaging them with the medium of cinema.” he said.
Inspiring the next filmmakers
One of the main guest speakers at the film fest’s opening was the 18-year-old Saudi Arabian actor Abdullah Ali, who has been praised for his lead role in the movie Born a King.
He took the podium and shared his story, hoping to inspired the youngsters in the audience. “Three years ago, I did not know what I wanted to do and then this opportunity to act in Born a King came along.
“One thing this experience has taught me is that all that matters is for you to strongly believe in yourself and your capabilities. I believed in mine as a 16-year-old, and look where it got me,” he said.
The stories that we decide to share will be inspiring, not just to the UAE or the Arab world, but the whole world.” Abdullah Ali, Saudi Arabian actor
I am grateful for my love of art and storytelling as it brought me a lot of joy — even through hard times.” Joanne Salmon, British animator