Sharjah Film Platform to kick off on January 18

The Sharjah Art Foundation will host the inaugural edition of Sharjah Film Platform (SFP) from 18-26 January, 2019 at Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah. The opening night will feature two short films that received grants from the Foundation last year. The Foundation invited applications for the production grant last year and a total of $30,000 was provided to three filmmakers. Laymoon, directed by Abdulrahman Al Madani (UAE), and Maryam, directed by Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) will be screened from 9:00 pm in Mirage City Cinema after the opening reception at 7:30 pm.

The first edition will showcase 140 films from more than 40 countries and include shorts as well as features within the documentary, narrative and experimental categories.

Speaking about the intent behind starting a dedicated film festival, a spokesperson from Sharjah Art Foundation told BroadcastPro ME: “In recent years, we have seen an increasing focus on film at our Foundation, largely through the creation of our film programme. In 2013, we established the open-air Mirage City Cinema, which presents film screenings year-round. The establishment of Sharjah Film Platform, with its annual film festival and discussions as well as workshops, was a natural result of our increasing work within the medium of film.”

This year, SFP will have three main components: a curated film programme and award; a programme of talks, workshops and discussions; and a production grant for short films.

Confirming a similar grant this year, Sharjah Art Foundation added: “There is a dynamic and growing community of filmmakers in the UAE and the greater region. We have long supported artists working in film and moving image through exhibitions, commissions and production grants. The Short Film Production Grant is annual, with up to three potential awardees.”