Sponsored: Sharjah Film Platform will present over 140 films from more than 40 countries…

Sharjah Art Foundation is set to launch the first ever Sharjah Film Platform (SFP) this month – a new annual film festival that supports film production across the UAE and wider region.

An exciting new platform for both established and emerging filmmakers, the 9-day festival will run from Friday January 18 until Saturday January 26.

This year, SFP will present over 140 films from more than 40 countries which have been selected from an annual international open call. The films include both short and feature films, which fit into either documentary, narrative, or experimental categories. Among the films screened are three restored films by legendary Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of his passing.

As well as the film screenings, there will be an exciting programme of public talks and workshops for budding and established filmmakers which will provide both conceptual and practical advice and knowledge. Sessions will touch on postcolonialism, nation-building, representation and new technologies as well as intersections between film and contemporary art throughout the event, presented by both Emirati filmmakers as well as regional and international speakers.

The public programme will also provide useful discussions and workshops on administrative aspects of film production such as distribution, funding and legal matters.

The event will take place in venues across Sharjah, including Mirage City Cinema, Sharjah Institute for Theatrical Arts, Al Hamra Cinema and Africa Hall. You can check the full schedule on sharjahart.org

Tickets to the film screenings are now on sale on Ticketmaster. Discounts for group tickets are also available. All talks and workshops are free and open to the public.

Sharjah Film Platform by Sharjah Art Foundation, various venues across Sharjah, Friday January 18 to Saturday January 26, Dhs15. ticketmaster.ae

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