Sharjah International Film Festival ends, attracts 50,000 visitors

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) wrapped up its 11th edition with a grand closing ceremony at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Complex. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the event celebrated exceptional filmmakers, directors, and professionals from the industry.

The 11th edition of SIFF achieved outstanding success, attracting over 50,000 visitors across six days. Audiences were treated to 100 films from more than 90 countries, including a debut participation from Zimbabwe. The festival's "Green Carpet" platform premiered three films for the first time in the Middle East. Additionally, SIFF honoured Palestine as its first-ever guest of honour, featuring a series of Palestinian films and workshops inspired by Palestinian heritage.

At the heart of the festival was its prestigious competition, which awarded filmmakers in eight categories. "Amakor", directed by Ahmed Al-Khodary, took home the Best Feature Film award, while "Mar Mama", by Magdy Al-Omari, was recognised as the Best Arabic Short Film. "Hooves", directed by Fargul Masroorad and Hossein Zeitounejad, was honoured with the Best International Short Feature award, and "The Seven Waves", directed by Asma Bseiso, claimed Best Documentary Film.

In the animation categories, "Diplodocus" by Wojtek Favsztyk won Best Animated Feature Film, and "Lola and the Sound Piano", directed by Augusto Zanovilo, was awarded Best Animated Short. "Recordari", directed by Carolina Cruz, was recognised as Best Student Film, while "Differentiation", directed by Yeha Kwon, won Best Film Made by Children and Youth.

Best International Short Feature – "Hooves"

Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General Director of FANN and SIFF, praised SIFF's role in enriching artistic appreciation among future generations, making it a key component of Sharjah’s thriving cultural landscape. "The festival has evolved into a unique model in the Arab cultural scene, celebrating the cinema of children, teenagers, and youth while offering a platform for talented individuals to express their creative visions," she said. She highlighted that the diversity and quality of the films captivated both jury members and audiences alike.

In an exciting announcement,

Targeting global audiences

Sheikha Jawaher revealed that, through partnerships, this year's winning films would be available on major streaming platforms like Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and Roku. This initiative underscores SIFF's commitment to supporting filmmakers and giving global audiences access to independent artistic works. She also expressed her gratitude to the festival’s dedicated teams and volunteers, referring to them as the “spirit of the festival” for their pivotal role in its success.

Best Animated Short – "Lola and the Sound Piano"

The closing ceremony also recognised the festival’s supporters and partners. Notable sponsors included the Sharjah Government Media Office (Strategic Media Partner), Al Hilal Enterprises (Platinum Partner), and Abu Dhabi Media and Sharjah Retail Company (Gold Sponsors). The festival was further supported by Emirates Airlines, Sharjah International Airport, AGMC – BMW, and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority.

Inspiring the next generation of storytellers

Peter Richards, Group CEO of Gulftainer commented: “We are honoured to support this festival, which is vital in nurturing the creativity and media literacy of our children and youth. It inspires the next generation of storytellers and deepens their understanding of diverse cultures. By empowering our youth to appreciate the richness of different traditions and perspectives, we are equipping them with the tools to create a more inclusive world.”

Best Student Film – "Recordari"

Tushar Singhvi, Crescent Enterprises deputy CEO commented: We are proud to mark our 11th year of partnership with the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF). At Crescent Enterprises, we believe in the transformative power of initiatives like SIFF, which inspire young minds, nurture creativity, and foster cultural exchange. Over the years, SIFF has grown into a significant platform for empowering young individuals by enabling them to explore diverse perspectives through the lens of film, igniting their imagination, and fostering a deeper understanding of the world. Our ongoing support underscores our commitment to education, creativity, and social responsibility, as we work towards shaping a more informed, compassionate, and globally aware generation."