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10/30/23, 9:56 AM Sharjah Film Festival honors filmmakers and closes the curtains of its tenth edition | EYE OF ARABIA
The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth proudly concludes its milestone
tenth edition, held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi,
wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family

Affairs. The spectacular closing ceremony took place at the Sharjah Research Technology and
Innovation Park yesterday (Friday) and was graced by prominent figures from the world of Arab
cinema and drama.

At this grand finale, the festival celebrated the exceptional talents of filmmakers and directors
across seven distinctive categories. The coveted title of “Best Feature Film” was awarded to

“Nezouh,” directed by Soudade Kaadan, while the “Best GCC Short Film” accolade was
claimed by “Sukoon,” Directed by Ahsan Minhas and Marwan Bakri. The heartwarming film
“Hope,” created by Kanto Randresy, Oualid Laouer, Lucie Jean, Maxime Pitrou, and Henry

Mbouen, clinched the “Best Students Film” award. In the realm of young cinema, “Conscience,”
directed by Mujtaba Al-Hejji, earned recognition as the “Best Child Made Film.”

In the international category, Amir Honarmand’s “Silkworm” was hailed as the “Best
International Short Film,” and Marjolaine Perreten’s “Pebble Hill” triumphed in the category of
“Best Short Animated Film.” Kaisa Naess’s enchanting creation, “Titina,” was crowned as the

“Best Animated Feature Film.” Special mentions were accorded to “Cat Kiss” by Hwang Soo-
bin and “Aleise” by Abdullah Saharti.

In her address, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director FANN and SIFF,
emphasized how the festival’s offerings had fostered creativity and inspiration among the
younger generation. She expressed her heartfelt sentiments: “As we reach the culmination of

the festival, we honor the artisans and storytellers whose films we passionately followed. Over
five days, we were transported by more than 80 inspiring stories from around the world, all
converging beneath the vibrant and creative cultural sky of ‘Sultan’s Sharjah.'”

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi reaffirmed the festival’s unwavering support for the

children of Palestine by donating its proceeds to the “Big Heart” campaign, dedicated to aiding
the children of Gaza and Palestine facing the hardships of conflict.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi expressed her profound gratitude towards the
dedicated teams and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the resounding success of the
tenth edition. She commended their unwavering commitment, cooperation, and enthusiasm,

highlighting the delightful choices they made throughout the festival.

The awards ceremony featured the honoring of various partners and supporters who
contributed to the festival’s triumph, including Sharjah Media City “Shams” (Gold Sponsor), Al
Hilal Enterprises, and Gulftainer (Strategic Partners), VOX Cinema, Al Zahia Theater (Quarter

Qarn), Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts, and Sharjah Research, Technology and

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