SIFF global forum to boost children’s cinema

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF), the Arab region’s first film fete that celebrates children’s and youth cinema, will organise the Children’s Cinema Global Forum remotely on Jan.29-30.

The Forum will convene local, national, and international content creators, executives, directors, producers, distributors, and writers to lead thought-provoking discussions, actionable ideas, and collaborative opportunities to boost the industry.

Experts attending the forum, to be streamed for free and open to everybody, will deliberate to find a way forward for cinema being produced for this age group, as well as look into ways to facilitate children’s film festivals in the current situation.

Being organised in partnership with the Lahore International Children’s Film Festival, Pakistan, the Forum will host artists and filmmakers from across the world to share their experience and expertise with the audience through four panel sessions.

Speaking about the forum, SIFF Director Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi said, “Sharjah has a longstanding tradition of championing storytelling that inspires the imaginations of children and adults alike. SIFF has long understood that family-focused content is a hugely significant cornerstone of the film industry, both culturally and economically. And film festivals are a bridge between the art and its audience. Hence, the forum is an opportunity for us to explore ways in which we can continue growing SIFF amid current challenges, share experiences with, and learn from other film festivals.”

She added, “Our aim is to inject the spirit of our curated festival selections that celebrates the best in filmmaking and distinctive, culturally rich storytelling for all ages, into inspired conversations around ways of nurturing and furthering the children’s film industry. Recognising the importance of nurturing new and diverse voices, SIFF welcomes participation from everybody interested in the future of children’s films, from emerging, independent creators to established makers.”

The forum, featuring experts from USA, France, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Jordan, will begin with a session titled Children’s Cinema — Past and Future. The second session will be focused on ‘Festivals in 2020 and Post COVID-19.’

The second day’s programme will begin with Future of Festivals, on nurturing children talent and its social impact. The final session of the forum will discuss ‘Collaborations — Areas of Opportunities’.