On Saturday evening, the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth brought down the curtain on the activities of its eleventh edition, which was held under the patronage of the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, at a special ceremony held at the Sharjah Research and Technology Park, in the presence of directors and employees of the film sector.
At the closing ceremony, the festival crowned prestigious and promising filmmakers with awards in its eight categories, where the film “Amakor” by director Ahmed Al-Khodari won the award for the best film, and “Mar Mama” directed by Magdy Al-Omari won the best Arabic short documentary film, while the film “Blows” “The Hooves” directed by Vargul Masroorad and Hossein Zeitounjad won the Best International Short Film Award Best, “The Seven Waves” by Asma Bseiso won the award for Best Documentary Film, “Diplodocus” by director Wojtek Favsztyk won the award for Best Animated Feature Film, and “Lola and the Piano” won the award for the Best Animated Feature Film “Voice” directed by Augusto Zanovelo won the award for Best Animated Short Film, “Let’s. Remember” directed by Carolina Cruz won the award for Best Student Film, and “Discrimination” directed by Yiha Kwon won the award for Best Film Made by Children and Young People.
In this context, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Fan Foundation and Director of the Festival, highlighted the importance of the event and its role in developing the artistic taste of future generations, and enriching the culture and knowledge of all. members of society, which made it an integral part of the great cultural project of Sharjah.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah said, “The festival has become a unique model in the Arab cultural world that celebrates the cinema of children, teenagers and young people, and opens doors for talented people so that they can to express their artistic and creative ideas,” noting that the festival’s competition adds to its value as an incubator for cinematic talents. aesthetic standards that express reality, that reflect the willingness of filmmakers to present their best work.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, in her speech, revealed that the festival, in collaboration with its partners, will allow this year’s winning films to be shown on all major high -streaming platforms, including “Apple,” “Amazon,” “Netflix,” and “Hulu.” she appreciated the great role played by her work crews and volunteers in making the festival a success, and said, “I thank the work crew and the volunteers tohilich who represents… “Spiriod na Fèise” for their efforts which helped to give the audience a chance to see the films and enjoy the events.
The 11th edition of the festival has achieved a remarkable success that reflects the richness and vitality of the cultural movement in Sharjah, as it was able to attract more than 50,000 visitors to watch, over 5 days, the 100 films, carefully selected from more than 90 countries, including Zimbabwe, which participates for the first time in the festival, which attracted a wide range of cinematic works representing the Sultanate of Oman, Egypt , France, Iran, Russia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Palestine, South Korea, Spain and Germany, while the “Green Carpet” stage hosted 3 films that were shown for the first time in the Middle East region, and was also celebrated in Palestine as the first guest of honor at the festival, the audience saw the screening of a variety of Palestinian films, as well as organizing a series of workshops inspired by Palestinian heritage and history.
At the closing ceremony, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi honored the members of the judging committees of the festival, her colleagues, promising trainers and judges, the company that organized the volunteers, and others sponsors, including: the strategic media partner, Sharjah Government Media Office, Al Hilal Enterprises and Gulftainer are the platinum partner, Abu Dhabi Media and Sharjah Retail Company are the official tourism partner, the official tourism partner is Sharjah Trade and Tourism Development Authority, the monetary partner is Sharjah International Airport, the official airline partner is “Emirates Airlines, ” and the AGMC is “BMW” and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, and the site partners are the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Complex, Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts, VOX Cinema, Al Zahia Theater (Quarter Qarn), Al Zahia City Center, and the educational partner is Sharjah Museums Authority, “Nikon” and “Grand Store”. Zulal, Hind Al Oud Perfumes, Al Amiri Jewellery, Al Arfaj and Manal Ajaj, as well as advertising partner Al Sarh Company, the hospitality partners which are Hotel Centro, Leap, and Hotel Palazzo Versace, the Lasirine Salon beauty partner, along with Claro and Merz restaurants, and also the Sharjah Volunteer Team.
Peter Richards, CEO of Gulftainer Group, said: “We are honored to support this festival, which is vital in promoting a culture of creativity and shaping media awareness of our children and young people. content creators and deepening their understanding of diverse cultures, by empowering our youth.” By appreciating the richness of tradition and connecting constructively with different perspectives of life, we give them the tools to create a more inclusive world.
Tushar Singhvi, Executive Vice President of Crescent Enterprises said: “We are proud of our fruitful 11-year partnership with the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth who believe in the tremendous potential of initiatives such as the Sharjah International Film Festival For Children and Youth must bring about positive change and inspire minds.” youth, encouraging the spirit of creativity and encouraging cultural exchange Over the years, the festival has become a unique platform to give young people the opportunity to explore different ideas through cinematic art, which shines their imagination and strengthens their deeper understanding of the world. and knowledge of global cultures and issues.
