Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF), has announced the selection process for junior jurors for the eighth edition of SIFF. The annually held festival organised by FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children, is set to take place from October 11 – 16.

Children and youth aged between 12 to 20 years are eligible to apply, and must send in their applications to info@sicff.ae by 1st May. They should be passionate about films and have a background in acting, direction, production, script writing or any other aspect of filmmaking.

Additionally, the SIFF junior jurors selections panel is looking for candidates with critical thinking capabilities, public speaking skills, confidence, and an outgoing personality.

Upon completion of preliminary selections, video call interviews will be conducted to review chosen applicants from May – June. The final junior jury of SIFF 2020 will comprise 40 – 50 members, who will undergo skills training at a workshop titled ‘How to Become a Junior Juror’, which will be spread over five days each in July, August, and September. The workshop aligns with FUNN’s creative approach to stimulate children and young adults to develop their critical thinking and nurture their personal strengths.

SIFF 2019 featured a junior jury of 31 members. Over the years, the junior jury has become a highlight of this film festival, with young jurors proving that they have exceptional critical and evaluation skills. Appointing young jury aligns with the festival’s peer-to-peer approach.