Eight days of movie magic
SPONSORED: Movie buffs and aspiring filmmakers need to add 14-21 December to their diaries as Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual film festival, Sharjah Film Platform (SFP) returns for its second edition.
This year’s festival features over 50 local, regional and international films as well as a public programme of talks and workshops, which are all free to attend as long as you register online beforehand. Make sure to also sign up for the opening ceremony where three short films by directors who won the Short Film Production Grant will premiere.
If you really want to dig deep into the world of cinematography, then check out some of key talks scheduled between the 14-20 December at the 174-year old heritage site, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, a former Emarati residence opposite Sharjah’s port. The talks bring together filmmakers, artists and industry professionals to discuss different aspects of filmmaking
Those who are looking to break into the industry will be good to take advantage of the newly introduced Pitching Forum where you have a chance to meet industry professionals, present new projects, receive valuable feedback and find potential collaborators for future productions. The Pitching Forum this year will be a closed, invitation-only event.
In addition, event goers can enjoy films in the foundation’s open-air, outdoor Mirage City Cinema, surrounded by restored heritage homes, and in Al Hamra Cinema, Sharjah’s oldest movie theatre.
At the end of the festival, an international jury will announce the winners of the best narrative, documentary and experimental film awards. The winning filmmakers will receive a monetary prize to support the production of future projects.
While there, why not stop by some of the great autumn exhibitions? Make sure to pay a visit to one of the most Instagrammable installations – the Rain Room.
