Today, a 10-year-old can

In the UAE, we’ve witnessed student filmmakers as young as 12-year-old make fabulous films, engage audiences, and win awards. Jyoti Jain Founder & Director, Children’s International Film Festival

There’s no other way, but to experiment and take risks. Most studios are risk-averse and create what the audiences like, which is the sole reason why we see similar stories year after year. A case in point is La La Land, this musical from Hollywood faced many a frown. Yet, it was a blockbuster. There’s no dearth of talent and we at the Children’s International Film Festival (CIFF) encourage young filmmakers to experiment on this internationally recognised platform. What’s the edge a young moviemaker has over his senior counterparts? To begin with, easy access and inexpensive equipment. Leave the cost of signing up stars aside. The cost of equipment alone was prohibitive not too long ago (in the late ‘90s and early 2000). Today, even a 10-yearold can make a feature film with an iPhone. But, equipment is not all that matters. The key is the story and story alone. Don’t miss out! Monday, 15 January 2018 is the last date to submit films in the Open Theme category for CIFF. If you don’t have a camera – CIFF will lend your school a DSLR kit (without a fee) to help with the production process (subject to availability). Awards for best film, editor, director and more await you. To know more, write to schools@ciff.ae. Access royalty free music and sounds effects here: ciff.ae.