“Sharjah Film Festival for Children and Youth” brings together filmmakers and creatives

Sharjah lit up the activities of the twelfth edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth, organized by the “Fan” Foundation at the Al Qasimia University Theater. To be a platform that brings together filmmakers and creatives from around the world, and opens its doors to youth and the emerging generation. To express their artistic visions.

The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of a number of senior officials, including: Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Government Relations Department, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, Director of the Festival, in addition to an elite group of artists, directors, workers in the film sector, and guests of honour.

The event was full of special moments, most notably the honoring of Emirati artist Abdullah Saleh Al Rumaithi, as he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the level of the Emirates and the Middle East region, in appreciation of his long artistic career and his contributions to enriching the Emirati and Arab theatrical and dramatic scenes.

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The ceremony also witnessed the honoring of a number of distinguished artists, including the Saudi artist Abdul Mohsen Al-Nimr, in appreciation of his achievements and contributions to enriching art through dramatic, theatrical and cinematic works.

In the youth category, Emirati artist Marwan Abdullah Saleh won the Youth Award at the UAE level, while artist Hala Al-Turk was crowned with the Youth Award at the Middle East level. The artist Basil Khayyat was also awarded a special award. In appreciation of his efforts to enrich the Arab artistic scene with distinguished works. This honor constitutes an artistic painting that reflects the diversity and creativity of the region.

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The artist Abdullah Saleh is considered one of the pioneers of the artistic movement in the country, as he began his career in the world of music, before moving to theater in 1993, through the Dubai Popular Theater, of which he was one of its founders. He also contributed to the founding of the Dramatists Association and the Youth Arts Theater, and participated in more than 70 artistic works over three decades, making him one of the influential names in the local and Arab artistic scene.

He currently holds the position of Vice President of the Dubai National Theater, where he continues to supervise the development of artistic and administrative works, and organize workshops and training courses for young talents, out of his belief in the importance of transferring expertise and supporting the development of the cultural scene in the country.

After the honor, the artist Abdullah Saleh expressed his deep thanks to the father, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his continuous support for the artists. He also extended his thanks to the wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, for Her Highness’s constant support for creative people, and to the festival’s management for this generous gesture, which honors the artists’ journey and appreciates Their giving.

This year, the festival includes screenings of short narrative films, documentaries, and animation from around the world, in addition to workshops and discussion sessions aimed at refining the cinematic sense of emerging generations and providing an expressive platform. To communicate their stories and dreams in the language of images.

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