News DeskSharjah, UAE – The 11th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth commenced on October 6, 2024, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. The festival, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, celebrated its grand opening at the Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts. In attendance were Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Government Relations, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Fann Foundation and the festival, along with prominent figures from the film industry such as Yousra, Huda Hussein, Jaber Naghmoush, Ahmed Al Jasmi, and Shajoun.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the launch of the “Guest of Honor” initiative, with Palestine being the first nation honored for its rich heritage and contributions to Arab cinema. The festival will showcase a selection of Palestinian films, offering a unique glimpse into the culture, history, and society of Palestine. These films have garnered international acclaim, with several nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.
In her opening remarks, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi emphasized the festival’s role in aligning with Sharjah’s vision of fostering cultural awareness and creativity among the youth. She proudly acknowledged Palestine’s selection as the guest of honor, celebrating the nation’s cultural and cinematic achievements.
Emirati artist Abdullah bin Haider lauded the festival’s impact on supporting young filmmakers, stressing the importance of providing them with platforms to develop their skills and express their creative visions. He also highlighted the role of technological advancements in expanding opportunities for young filmmakers.
Yasmine Al-Masry, another notable speaker, emphasized the power of storytelling in transcending borders and raising awareness of the challenges faced by Arab, particularly Palestinian, youth. She called for increased support for Palestinian youth and their struggles with education and health issues, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.
During the ceremony, the audience watched the docudrama Tell Them What Happened, which focuses on the resilience of families in Gaza. Directed by Omar Walid, the film reflects the current realities in Gaza, using cinema as a medium to document and share their experiences with the world.
The festival also recognized the lifetime achievements of Jaber Naghmoush, Huda Hussein, and Yousra, who were honored for their outstanding contributions to the arts, particularly in Arab drama, theater, and cinema.
This year’s jury panel, comprising 18 international directors and experts, will judge submissions across multiple categories, including short films, animated films, feature films, and documentaries. Additionally, 20 emerging young jurors will evaluate films made by children and youth.
With over 100 films from 90 countries, the festival will feature premieres, including Amakor from Kuwait, The Teacher directed by Farah Nabulsi, and Diplodocus, an adventure film co-produced by Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The festival’s Film Market will serve as a hub for networking, workshops, and discussions, providing filmmakers and industry professionals an opportunity to explore trends in cinema.
The festival will continue until October 12, 2024, celebrating young talent and fostering creative innovation in cinema.
