The sixth edition of the Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF 2018), will be inaugurated in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on October 14 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, Sharjah. His Highness will be awarding the opening ceremony’s speakers.

This edition’s theme is, ‘Think Cinema,’ and will host the most extensive premier list comprising of 54 films. Haifa Hussain, Bahraini actress, Abdullah Al Kaabi, Emirati director and as mentioned earlier, Neel Sethi, Indian-American child actor of ‘The Jungle Book,’ will be the ceremonial speakers at the opening ceremony.

Mennat-Allah A’rafeh, a talented young actress who had her debut as a child in the television series ‘Cinderalla’, and Karisma Kapoor, a popular actress in India who’s a recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award and four Filmfare Awards.

During the opening, ‘My Giraffe,’ a Middle East feature film premiere will be screened as well. The six-day cinematic festival is organized by FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children which is dedicated to engaging the UAE’s young generations in media arts.

“The power of cinema is unprecedented. Films with valuable insights and knowledge can propel amazing changes in the world. This edition shines a special focus on the plight of refugees. Under the inspiring directives and visions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness, SICFF 2018 will comprise panel discussions for the first time and host more than 40 workshops on filmmaking and media arts. Since its inception, SICFF has dedicated its effort to inspire young minds about the art of filmmaking and innovate ways to educate and impart crucial skills for children in the UAE,” remarked Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qassimi, Director of FUNN and SICFF.

This edition of SICFF presents 54 films premiere consisting of 12 international, 34 Middle Eastern, 7 UAE, and 1 Gulf premiers. As well as, 40 workshops that will open up the world of movie-making to creative young minds and six panel discussions where audiences and panel members will explore various facets of cinema ranging from ‘Disney’s World: Past and Present’ to ‘Film-making with Refugees.’

Organised by FUNN annually in October, SICFF, which was launched in 2013, aims to foster the creative talents of children and youths and promote their work at home and abroad. The festival is dedicated to engaging children and young people with their peers across the globe. SICFF plays a vital role in bringing international films and new media content by exposing children and young people in the region to world cultures. It seeks to promote peace, tolerance and global understanding of how people from different cultures, religions and backgrounds can live together peacefully and equally.

FUNN aims to nurture a future generation of creative artists in media and film industry, and promotes new media works and films made by children and young filmmakers in the UAE at international film festivals and conferences worldwide. Its larger goal is to foster talent through these festivals, conferences and workshops locally and internationally. FUNN aims to form a close-knit network of talented young people who can share experiences and expertise on a global scale.