The Management of the Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF) on Thursday hosted a gala dinner for the festival’s jury members, sponsors, and VIP guests, including Arab and foreign filmmakers and actors, as well as volunteers.

The dinner, bringing together nearly 100 people, was held to mark the resounding success of this year’s edition, which will conclude today Friday after six days of a wealth of exciting events spanning film screenings, interactive sessions and workshops, among others.

The festival, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs,  is focused on educating children and adults in the UAE about the art of filmmaking and promoting interest in media arts.

The event is organised annually by FUNN, the Sharjah-based foundation dedicated to promoting media arts for and among children and youth in the UAE, which vowed to continue enriching the local cinema scene and fostering new young talents.

During the event, Shaikha Jawaher bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN and Director of SICFF, thanked the jury members, sponsors, filmmakers, guests and volunteers who have contributed to the festival’s success. She promised that the 2016 edition will even be better and bigger.

Peter Richards, Managing Director at Gulftainer, one of the festival sponsors, said: “The Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival 2015, is an inspiring platform that supports and encourages the children of the Middle East to unleash their creativity and become involved in filmmaking at every level. We are honoured to continue our support of this educational venture that underlines Sharjah’s reputation as a cultural hub.”