FUNN Concludes its Participation at Saudi Arabia’s Hakaya Misk Festival

FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children – has concluded its participation at the second edition of the Hakaya Misk Festival in Saudi Arabia. The Sharjah-based organisation that dedicates itself to helping younger generations become engaged in the world of film and media arts was a major participant at the event, which was hosted at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 14-20.

An initiative from the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Misk Foundation, which was established by the Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, the Hakaya Misk Festival featured 300 activities and training workshops on a variety of creative fields in the arenas of cinema, theatre and art. The event saw ‘Young Author’ activities being held as well as exclusive screenings of Saudi films, including the premiere of the feature animation ‘Bilal.’

“FUNN is committed to participating in regional and international artistic events with the aim of exploring the latest methods and techniques of cinema and the exchanging of insights with those who share the same vision and objectives. The festival was a prime opportunity to shed light on FUNN’s efforts to discover promising talented people and to hone their skills in media arts,” said Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FUNN and the Sharjah International Children Film Festival.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi stressed that FUNN’s participation was one that was fruitful at all levels, with the organisation’s delegation exploring ways to enhance joint collaboration with a number of institutions that aim to develop the film industry for children and young adults in the GCC. The FUNN representatives also took part in several workshops that were part of the festival’s extensive programme.

With its aim to nurture a future generation of creative artists in media and film, FUNN promotes new works made by children and young filmmakers of the UAE at film festivals, and conferences worldwide. The organisation’s larger goal is to foster talent through these local and international events and to form a close-knit network of talented young people who can share their experiences and expertise on a global scale.

The annual Hakaya Misk Festival aims to motivate and support young people in writing and telling stories, painting, animation, production and other forms of art.

The event is the largest gathering place for creative people in such fields from the GCC and enables the exchange of expertise and experience through workshops, discussions and the displaying of art. A travelling event which tours cities across Saudi Arabia, the Hakaya Misk festival aspires to incubate creativity and generate a passion for stories in their various forms.