Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF) has announced the dates for its unique annual event dedicated to bringing young people and movies together. Running from October 8-13, the fifth edition of the cinema extravaganza organised by FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children – is offering an extensive programme of film showings, movie workshops and media arts activities, all designed to engage the region’s youth with the silver screen.

“Each year SICFF builds upon the success of its previous editions by encouraging not just a love of the films themselves, but also by inspiring a thirst for knowledge of the techniques and skills behind the productions. The festival plays an essential role in bringing international films and new media content to children and young people in the region and this year’s edition has a host of activities formulated to open up the wonderful world of movie-making to such creative young minds,” said Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN and SICFF.

“SICFF is more than just a celebration of the moving image; it was established to encourage children to work together, to share ideas and to undergo new experiences. It aspires to connect young people with world cultures and to enhance peace and tolerance by showing through the medium of film how people from different regions, races and religions can live happily side by side,” she added.

Through SICFF and its other initiatives, 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 conferences 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.