The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) is set to return for its 12th edition from October 6 to 11. Hosted by FANN Media Discovery Platform, the festival will take place at VOX Cinemas in City Centre Al Zahia, celebrating a diverse range of creative works and human experiences.
Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and the support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, this year’s festival will feature 76 films selected from an impressive 1,740 submissions. Filmmakers from 26 countries will be represented, including first-time participants from São Tomé and Príncipe, Ecuador, and Belize.
The festival serves as a vital platform for creative minds to connect and showcase their films to a wide audience. As part of its commitment to the future of cinema, FANN will also launch the Global Children & Youth Film Congress. This new initiative will focus on the role of cinema in shaping Arab youth consciousness, exploring opportunities and challenges, and promoting meaningful storytelling.
According to H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General-Director of FANN and SIFF, the festival has grown into an inspiring creative space that empowers filmmakers and highlights their crucial role in the local cultural and artistic scene. “We believe in the power of cinema as a universal language that unites people…and as an important medium for instilling noble values,” she stated.
This year’s Green Carpet will feature three Middle Eastern premieres: the Dutch film Miss Moxy, a Korean film directed by Suryeon Jung, and the Saudi film Hajeer by Sarah Talab.
A distinguished jury of 16 renowned directors and industry experts will judge the films. The panel includes figures like Syrian actress Yara Sabri, Kuwaiti director Dawood Sulaiman Al-Shuail, and Emirati director and producer Rawya Abdullah. They are joined by international talents from South Korea, the United States, and beyond.
On the sidelines of the main event, the SIFF Pop-Up will be hosted at Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park. It will offer a series of workshops designed to help young talents hone their skills and develop their potential in cinema production.
–Input WAM
