The tricks and techniques that are involved in the creation of riveting movie sequences will be revealed tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Special Effects Event (SFX), taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Organised by FUNN - the Sharjah-based organisation dedicated to promoting media arts among children and young people - the two–day exhibition aims to help movie buffs of all ages gain a deeper insight into the film industry and to learn about the latest illusions and visual tricks used in Hollywood blockbusters.

During the event, visitors will be taken on a cinematic journey through special effects, giving them the opportunity to discover the various techniques that are used in the highest-grossing movies, including animation films. They will get to know more about how visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create realistic looking environments.

SFX’s two-day programme will feature a series of entertainment activities and interactive sessions to highlight the skills of live-action shooting, 3D animation, video editing, camera trickery, aural effects, cosmetics and CGI. The exhibition will feature industry experts who will demonstrate how the various techniques are used in producing movies that span the genres, including action, thriller, crime and horror.

SFX will see the participation of social media influencers including Al Reem Saif, Khalid Al Ameri, Mathayel Al Ali and Mansour Al Yabani, who will met the audience and speak about their lives behind the camera, their cinematic interests and their favourite movies. 

The SFX programme includes a 3D photography workshop, under the sponsorship of SAE Institute, which will take place from 11am-12noon. The hologram workshop, held from 4-5pm, will teach participants how to turn images and video clips into 3D projections by using a smartphone. A workshop on light painting will take place from 5:30-6:30pm, with visitors also able to learn about the skills of creative lighting techniques in photography through daily workshops organised by Nikon that take place from 7-8pm.  

SFX will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the four seasons in the space of just a few minutes, with separate partitions for spring, summer, autumn and winter, each offering its particular season’s sights, sounds and temperatures

Other activities taking place at SFX include a journey through a bat cave, where visitors will be taken on a mine cart through a mock-up of an underground chamber where they will experience the wildlife of the caves’ animals; its bats, crows, snakes and other creatures. They will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in typical action movie scenarios and to play the roles of famous movie characters.

FUNN is hosting SFX in conjunction with Sharjah TV (Media Sponsor), SAE Institute (Educational Partner), Nikon (Exclusive Imaging Partner), Al Shuala Media (Support Sponsor) and Expo Centre Sharjah (Support Sponsor). The event forms part of the organisation’s strategy to nurture a generation of creative artists in media and film.

FUNN aims to promote new media works and films made by UAE children and young adults at international film festivals and conferences worldwide. Their larger goal is to foster talent through these events and form a close-knit network of talented young people who can share their experiences and expertise on a global scale.