Sharjah film fest for children and youth opens, Palestine is 'guest of honour'
Shajoun receives the guest of honour trophy.
The 11th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth commenced on Sunday night. The event, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, celebrates creative achievements in the film industry with a focus on nurturing the next generation.
Notable attendees included Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Fann Foundation and the festival, alongside a distinguished group of artists, directors, filmmakers, and international guests, including Yousra, Huda Hussein, Jaber Naghmoush, Ahmed Al Jasmi, and Shajoun.
The festival's opening ceremony at the Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts saw the launch of the "Guest of Honour" initiative, with Palestine being honoured as the first-ever guest. This celebration pays tribute to Palestine’s rich heritage, cinematic contributions, and cultural influence in Arab cinema.
The festival, running until Oct.12, will feature a curated selection of Palestinian films, allowing audiences to explore the intricacies of Palestinian society, culture, and the history of its cinema. These works highlight the evolution of Palestinian filmmaking, which has garnered international acclaim, including Academy Award nominations in the Best Foreign Film category.
100 FILMS FROM 90 COUNTRIES: This year’s festival features 100 films from over 90 countries, including Zimbabwe, which is participating for the first time. Other participating countries include Oman, Egypt, France, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and Germany. The "Green Carpet” platform will premiere three films in the Middle East, Amakor, a Kuwaiti film directed by Ahmed Al Khodary and starring Khaled Amin and Samah Hussein, The Teacher, directed by Farah Nabulsi, and Diplodocus, an adventure film co-produced by Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: The festival recognised the outstanding contributions of Jaber Naghmoush, Huda Hussein, and Yousra, each awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for their significant influence on the arts. Their work in drama, theatre, and film has left an enduring mark on the collective memory of Arab culture.
In her opening speech, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi emphasised that the festival continues to align with Sharjah’s vision of fostering a creative generation rooted in cultural heritage and societal values. She stated, "The festival celebrates cinematic masterpieces under the embrace of Sharjah, a city devoted to supporting children and preparing them for the future, embodying the visions of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and Sheikha Jawaher Bint Muhammad Al Qasimi. Together, they continue to work toward elevating the intellectual and cultural awareness of children and youth by empowering them and integrating them into the development process.”
She expressed pride in Palestine’s selection as the guest of honour, adding, "For the first time, Palestine graces our festival as a guest of honour. It stands before us with its history, beauty, culture, humanity, and just cause, displaying its ancient identity and Arab origins. Palestinian cinema has always captured the essence of place and people, leaving indelible memories in our hearts. Through this festival, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Palestinian cinema, which has enriched Arab and international cinema with timeless works.”
Abdullah Bin Haider, an Emirati artist, remarked, "The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth embodies the spirit of art and creativity. Over the years, it has proven its ability to shine and innovate, bridging the dreams of our youth and the expansive world of film. As we celebrate the 11th edition, we reflect on the importance of supporting young people, who represent the heartbeat of society. It is essential to give them the opportunities to develop their skills, harness their energy, and shape the future.”
Yasmine Al Masry emphasised the importance of storytelling as a means of crossing borders and connecting cultures. She highlighted the challenges faced by Arab youth, particularly Palestinian youth, and called for increased support and solidarity.
"Young people in the Arab world make up nearly 30 per cent of the population, and in a region where 372 million people speak Arabic, we cannot ignore the harsh realities faced by Palestinian youth, who are deprived of basic rights like health and education. This is not just a political crisis; it is a humanitarian one. I believe in storytelling as a powerful weapon against racism, hatred, and discrimination. With the festival’s support for young filmmakers, we can introduce the world to our rich culture and human experiences.”
During the ceremony, attendees viewed "Tell Them What Happened," a docudrama that highlights the importance of family and resilience, featuring the voice of "Habiba,” a child from Gaza. Director Omar Walid explained that the film was inspired by the current conditions in Gaza, underscoring the vital role of art and cinema in documenting reality. "This year has profoundly impacted all of us. Life is no longer what it was, and our role as filmmakers is to use our soft power to share our voices with the world.”
WAM
