Dignitaries at a panel discussion.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Fann Media Discovery Platform announced the 11th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth which will run from October 6 to 12 at City Center Al Zahia, Sharjah.

Under the guidance of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the festival aims to foster artistic talent and cultural exchange. The event embodies the vision of the emirate, supporting emerging and established filmmakers while providing a platform to showcase their creative works.

This year’s edition promises a strong lineup of 98 films from 18 countries, chosen from 1,834 submissions across 73 countries. Zimbabwe’s inaugural participation is a highlight, while Palestine’s selection as Guest of Honour offers attendees a unique chance to explore the diverse and storied history of Palestinian film making, celebrated for its aesthetic richness and its contributions to Arab cinema. Palestinian films have consistently earned international recognition and competed at prestigious events, including the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.

Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Fann Foundation and the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth, highlighted how the festival has grown into a global platform showcasing exceptional cinematic works. “His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and the unwavering support of Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the festival has become a nurturing ground for local and Gulf filmmakers," she said. "We are fostering a new generation of Arab filmmakers with a spirit of innovation, capable of addressing social issues through the powerful medium of cinema. We aim to inspire them to hone their skills and unleash their talents."

 The Palestinian cause has drawn global support.

Sheikha Jawaher also expressed her happiness about Palestine’s role as Guest of Honour, stating, “This year, we celebrate Palestine and the distinctive qualities of its films, which have influenced Arab cinema since the 1920s. Palestinian cinema continues to deliver thought-provoking, visually captivating works that reflect the pulse of Palestinian society.”

The festival will showcase various films from countries with significant participation, including Oman, Egypt, France, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, and Germany.

Green Carpet premieres

The "Green Carpet" platform, a highlight of the festival, will feature four exclusive premieres:

• Amakor, a Kuwaiti film directed by Ahmed Al-Khodary and starring Khaled Amin and Samah Hussein

• The Trainers, an Italian film directed by Andrea Joplin

• The Teacher, directed by Farah Nabulsi

• Diplodocus, an adventure film co-produced by Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland

The festival’s jury features 18 renowned directors and industry experts, including Shajoun Al-Hajri, Muhammad Al-Aubthani, Sebastian Reichhold, Hanna Atallah, Razan Taqsh, Soudad Kaadan, Jitendra Misher, Susan Johnston, and Ahmed Zein.

These jurors will evaluate films across several categories: “Student Films” (19 entries), “International Short Films” (11 entries), “Arabic Short Films” (17 entries), “Animated Short Films” (14 entries), “Feature Animated Films” (4 entries), “Feature Films” (12 entries), “Films Made by Children and Young People” (10 entries), and “Documentary Films” (11 entries).

  Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi: "Palestinian cinema continues to deliver thought-provoking, visually captivating works that reflect the pulse of Palestinian society.”

In addition, the festival will also welcome notable guests from the UAE, the region, and beyond, including Emirati director Omar Al-Mulla, Palestinian director Omar Al-Rimal, Egyptian actress Yousra, Emirati actor Jaber Naghmoush, and Kuwaiti actress Souad Al-Abdullah.

A hub for learning and industry connections

The festival’s film market will provide a dynamic space for filmmakers, emerging talents, and students to present their ideas and projects to industry experts. A series of panel discussions will explore key topics related to cinema, including:

• “Pitching Essentials for Independent Filmmakers” with screenwriter Nadia Tabbara

• “From Stage to Cinema” with Emirati artist Marwan Abdullah Saleh and Kuwaiti artist Abdullah Al-Tarawa

• “Visual Effect Unleashed: Behind the Magic” with designer Sebastian Reichhold

• “Animate Your Imaginary Characters: Inspiring Youth to Dive into Animation” with Maya Fidawi

The market will also include a session on independent film distribution, featuring discussions with experts such as Bassam Al-Asaad of Creative Media Solutions, Elie Touma of Front Row Sales, and Emirati director Ahmed Zein.

Additionally, Hanna Atallah and Ola Salama of Lab Palestine Film will participate in a panel on producing Arabic content for children and youth, while director Omar Rimal and blogger Haifa Bseiso will lead a session on the future of the Palestinian narrative in cinema.

The festival will also celebrate its ambassadors – Abdullah Al-Taweel, Binh Al Ali, Fatima Saleh, Fatima Al-Harmoudi, Nour Saleh, and Mira Al-Naqbi – who inspire young audiences to discover the world of cinema.

The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth continues to be a vital cultural event, offering an invaluable platform for filmmakers, while enriching audiences with a diverse cinematic experience that bridges cultures and encourages the growth of emerging talent.