Through six child-centred narratives by filmmakers from across the GCC, the upcoming eighth edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF), to be held virtually from October 10-15,brings a unique opportunity to look at the myriad experiences that shape a child’s life.

FUNN, the Sharjah-based organisation that promotes media arts learning among children and youth, noted that the films have been chosen to showcase a rich diversity of voices from the GCC region, as we explore the universal theme of childhood that will resonate with a global audience.

Two films in the GCC Short Films category are by filmmakers from the UAE. In Childhood Trauma, UAE-based Safa Azarayesh highlights the impact of growing up in an environment of violence and compels us to connect the dots of childhood trauma with adulthood. Sarah Al Ali’s Don’t Give Up reinforces the need to persevere even when things seem difficult and emphasises that the tide will eventually turn – it is just a matter of time.

Fahad Alotaibi, a well-known producer and director of TV commercials and short films from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, narrates a game of life and death in Opportunity. A skull, a morgue, and four men contemplating matters of life and death set the tone of the movie, which soon turns deadly as it heads towards the climax.

Bahraini writer and director Mohammed Sudaif’s multi-lingual Jeshoo, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a menial worker who collects trash for a living. Shot during the pandemic, this 17-minute short film aims to promote humanity and equality among people.

In Barcode, commercialism prevails over innocence, as few men with big parcels go through the everyday routine of scanning barcodes. But the moment everything starts to feel normal is when things start getting fishy in this film directed by Muhammad Ali, an actor and scriptwriter from Saudi Arabia.

The 28-minute Block is directed by Saudi-based Mohammed Atabani, who has trained and worked with several well-known production companies in the Kingdom. The movie won the Audience Award and the Golden Palm at the Saudi Film Festival held in Dammam in 2020.

As part of its carefully crafted programming, SIFF 2021 features more than 80 films from 38 countries, including the premieres of four in the UAE, three in the GCC, 35 from the Middle East, and six internationally. The festival will organise 30 workshops that bring together film-making specialists from the Arab world and beyond.

For more information on the festival’s activities and its registration process, please visit the SIFF website www.siff.ae, or FUNN Instagram @sharjahiff.