Sharjah: The 11th 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.
In her opening remarks, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Fann Foundation, highlighted the festival's importance, stating, "This festival reflects Sharjah’s cultural mission of empowering our youth through creativity while embracing their heritage."
This year’s edition features an impressive lineup of 100 films from over 90 countries, showcasing a variety of genres, including animated shorts, feature films, and documentaries.
The entries will be judged by a panel of 18 distinguished filmmakers and industry experts, with 20 emerging young jurors evaluating films created by children and youth.
Running until October 12, 2024, the Sharjah International Film Festival serves as a networking platform for filmmakers and producers, featuring workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities for collaboration.
Palestine honoured as guest of honour
Palestine has been honoured as the Guest of Honour at the festival, celebrating its rich cinematic heritage and profound influence on Arab and international cinema.
This year's festival will feature a curated selection of Palestinian films, reflecting the resilience, culture, and unique identity of the Palestinian people.
Among these films is the docudrama Tell Them What Happened, which serves as a poignant tribute to the strength of families in Gaza. Narrated from the perspective of a young child, it underscores the powerful role of cinema in documenting real-life struggles.
Director Omar Walid emphasizes this mission, stating, “Our role as filmmakers is to use art to share our truth with the world.”
During the event, Egyptian actress Yasmine Al-Masry spoke passionately about the transformative power of storytelling, particularly for Palestinian youth. She remarked, “In a world filled with challenges, film becomes our voice, our way of telling our stories and connecting cultures.
Recipients of the lifetime achievement awards:
- Jaber Naghmoush: An esteemed Emirati actor.
- Huda Hussein: An accomplished Iraqi actress and producer, currently residing in Kuwait.
- Yousra: A renowned Egyptian actress and singer.