In recognition of her contribution to the global film industry, and her pioneering vision to develop a new Arab generation that excels in the media arts, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qassimi, Director of FUNN and Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF), was honoured by Indywood Film Carnival during their participation at the world’s most prestigious film festival – Cannes.

The trophy was presented to her in Cannes by representatives of the Indywood Film Carnival, following her appointment as a member of its International Expert Committee. Indywood, which takes place in December this year, is looking to bridge the gap between the Indian and International film market and aims to recruit some of the industry’s most prominent and prestigious figureheads to help its cause.

As Director of FUNN, the Sharjah-based organisation dedicated to helping younger generations become engaged in the world of film and media arts, Sheikha Jawaher has played a vital role in nurturing future artists while promoting new work and films made by young people at international film festivals and events.

Speaking at the 70th Cannes Film Festival, being held on France’s famous South coast from 17-29 May, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah said: “I am very grateful to receive this honour. It is important that we all recognise the importance of film and media, and the creativity they encourage. There is an enormous pool of untapped talent around the world, and many of the emerging international festivals provide an excellent opportunity for everyone – particularly young people – to showcase their skills.”

The Indywood Film Carnival was launched three years ago to bridge the gap between the Indian and International film market, and open new avenues for international trade and investments to promote Indian cinema and tourism globally, thereby benefitting the Indian film industry qualitatively and financially. For its third edition this year, the Carnival will return to Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, India, from 1 to 4 December. The four-day carnival will comprise of 15 major events, and showcase 250 movies from 60 countries including 75 red carpet screenings, 300 exhibitors, 5,000 trade delegates, 500+ potential investors, 2500+ Indywood Talent Hunt finalists, 8 excellence awards categories and over 300 international dealmakers.

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the ‘Festival de Cannes’ is one of the world's most widely publicised events and the most important film festival in terms of worldwide impact.

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