Sharjah International Film Festival Marks 12th Edition

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The 12th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) will run from October 6 to 11 at VOX Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia, bringing together global filmmakers and young creative talents under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

Organized by FANN Media Discovery Platform, this year’s edition features 76 films selected from 1,740 submissions across 26 countries, with first-time entries from São Tomé and Príncipe, Ecuador, and Belize. South Korea will take center stage as Guest of Honour, offering audiences a chance to explore the nation’s cinematic heritage and global cultural influence.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of FANN and SIFF, emphasized that the festival continues to grow as a creative hub.

“We are nurturing emerging Arab talents and equipping them with the skills to express themselves through film. SIFF is more than entertainment—it is a platform for instilling values, sharing stories, and empowering the next generation of filmmakers,” she said.

Expanding the Festival’s Reach

In a landmark initiative, FANN will launch the Global Children & Youth Film Congress alongside SIFF, positioning Sharjah as a regional center for dialogue on Arab cinema. The congress will bring together filmmakers, educators, and industry experts to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the role of cinema in shaping young minds. Key sessions will also highlight the importance of giving Palestinian children a voice through film.

World Premieres and Green Carpet Highlights

The Green Carpet premieres include:

Miss Moxy (Netherlands) – An animated adventure about a cat’s journey home with the help of unlikely friends.

A South Korean feature by Suryeon Jung, exploring human connection and cultural barriers through the friendship of two young girls.

Hajeer (Saudi Arabia) by Sarah Talab, set in 1960s Jeddah, portraying the journey of a young musician coping with hearing impairment.

International Jury Line-up

The festival jury features 16 acclaimed directors and experts, including Syrian actress Yara Sabri, Emirati media figure Mohamed Rashid Al Salami, Kuwaiti director Dawood Sulaiman Al-Shuail, South Korean director Jae Hoon Ahn, and Omani filmmaker Salah Al-Hadrami. Joining them are critics, animators, and producers from across the Arab world, Europe, and the U.S., including Bahraini critic Tariq Al-Bahar and American festival director Dan Bennett.

Beyond Screenings: Workshops and Innovation

Complementing the screenings, SIFF Pop-Up at the Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park will host workshops in comics, photography, and creative design. Children and youth will also engage in hands-on training sessions hosted by VOX Cinemas, encouraging them to tell stories through film and art.

Sharjah’s Cultural Vision

Reaffirming Sharjah’s vision, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi said:

“Building on SIFF’s legacy, we aim to make Sharjah a hub for creativity and a destination of choice for global talent. This year’s edition combines international films with industry dialogue, ensuring young talents are directly connected with professionals.”

With South Korea’s celebrated role as Guest of Honour, global premieres, and the introduction of the Global Film Congress, the 12th edition of SIFF promises to be a landmark celebration of creativity, storytelling, and cultural exchange.