Palestine to be Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth

Sharjah: At least 98 films from 18 countries will be featured at the Sharjah International Film Festival, organisers announced on Thursday.

Zimbabwe’s inaugural participation is a highlight, while Palestine’s selection as Guest of Honor 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

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 Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the support of 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.

Global platform

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Faan 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 Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad 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.”

Visually captivating

Sheikha Jawaher also expressed her happiness about Palestine’s role as Guest of Honor, 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.

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.

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

Film distribution

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.