A recent newcomer to Dubai’s film scene is the Children’s International Film Festival (CIFF). It’s a non-profit annual festival organized by The Film Studio Dubai – a film production and Events Management company. The idea was born when Jyoti Jain—the Creative Head of CIFF—realized the lack of creative, entertaining, and streamlined television and film media for children in the UAE. She observed her own son watch films and shows in the market that were either century old reruns, age inappropriate, or uninspiring. Her frustration lit a spark, and Jain had a vision for the creative education of children through film. In 2014, her concept came to fruition through CIFF.

CIFF has two components. The first consists of the ‘international’ aspect, in which films are brought to Dubai during the festival period and screened to children from different participating schools across UAE. The aim of this, Jain says, is “for children to have global exposure” in order for them to “relate to kids in other parts of the world [and] see that a child in Russia or Singapore may face similar to a child in Dubai.”  Evidence of CIFF’s success in achieving this aim is seen in the 2014 and 2015 Festivals as films were shown from over 60 countries and nearly 38 languages were represented. During the festival, there are public screenings for two days and the remaining days are dedicated screenings for children from participating schools. There are four groups of movies created based on the different age groups of children (6 – 17yrs). Each group has age specific films i.e. Group A films, for ages 6-9, would contain content specific to that age group so that the children will be able to understand and engage with what they’re watching.

The 2nd component of the CIFF is the international film competition, which any UAE school can register and participate in. Some of the most brilliant student minds come together to submit their films for the chance to win actual CIFF awards not just in the UAE but internationally. Jain believes that CIFF encourages creativity amongst children in this region in a novel way by giving them a one of a kind opportunity to explore their interest in filmmaking and media.  This venture made its debut in 2014 and became hugely successful the following year with 40+ schools participating in the 2015 awards. Many schools all over UAE took home awards in various categories and astonishingly, two films even won international awards at the Children’s Film Festival in Australia!

Mrs. Jain claims there is a lot of room for growth for the CIFF in the coming years. CIFF has taken us by storm and intends to do so even more for the 2016 awards. The best thing is, everyone can get involved. Volunteer, sponsor, submit a film through your school (for children), or support your kid on his or her way to the red carpet!