The sixth edition of Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF 2018), organized by FUNN  – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children, is excited to announce seventeen members of its jury, who will help decide the winners from the talented filmmakers who submitted their films for the event on 14^th– 19^th October.

The revered juries are from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Palestine, USA, and Belgium. This multi-cultural panel bring years of experience and understanding from all walks of life into their decision-making process.

From the UAE,  SICFF’s jury panel includes Butheina Kazim who is the co-founder of Cinema Akil, the producer of the short documentary titled, ‘Letters to Palestine,’ which won the special jury prize at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2010. She has also participated in several prominent projects in Germany, Yemen and France.

The second jury is UAE’s first woman to receive a bachelor’s degree in acting and theatre directing from ‘The Academy of Arts’ in Cairo. Her career ranged from an assistant director in the Egyptian Television Network to directing plays. She has been a jury member and judging panel on several platforms. Najla AlShehhi is an Emirati writer, theatre actor, and film director as well.

SICFF’s third jury member from UAE is am Emirati actor, writer, and director. Abdullah Al-Humeiri dedicated his time in attending workshops to hone his skills in scriptwriting and directing before immersing into the field of cinema. He has acted in short films, composed and directed acclaimed short films including Waiting and Our Home and Sarmad. His knowledge from being the lead actor of the famous Emirate movie Mazraet Yaddo (Grandmother Farm), will translate well into the festival.

The last member from UAE is Hassan Rajab who a member of the board of directors of the theatrical association in the UAE and The Modern Theatre in Sharjah. He is a prolific jury member who has been part of the distinguished panel of Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival (2006 & 2010) and the Gulf Theatre Festival, Bahrain (2006).

Jury members from Saudi Arabia include, Hana Makki, Ali Al Kalthami, Kaswara Al Khatib, Ahmed Mohammed Al Mulla, and Haifa Al Mansour will be on the distinguished jury panel as well. Ahmed Iraj and Hani Abu As’aad from Kuwait and Palestine, respectively. Four jury members from Bahrain: Mansoura Abdel Amir, Hamad Ali Al Shehabi, Mohammed Ibrahim Ahmed, and Haifa Hussain. Our last two honourable jury members are Brain Ferguson from USA and Simon Medard from Belgium.

Jurors have been chosen from a wide-range of talents, based on their body of work and respect from their peers. This year’s jury panel is composed of various culture and personalities. They bring their talent and expertise as screenwriters, writers, producers, directors, animators, and editors.

All the shortlisted films will be screened at Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre, Zero 6 Mall, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Zora and Last Exit in Al Khawaneej, Dubai. More information regarding the date and time are available on the website, www.sicff.ae as well as on social media platforms through hashtag #SICFF18.

FUNN aims to nurture future generations of creative artists in media and film and promote new works made by the UAE’s young filmmakers at international film festivals and workshops worldwide. Its larger goal is to foster talent through events locally and internationally and to form a close-knit network of talented young people who can share experiences and expertise on a global scale.