Sharjah Film Festival Reveals Diverse Global and Local Film Selection

The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) is set to host its 13th annual event, featuring an impressive selection of films from around the globe and spotlighting local talent. This year's festival, running from October 26th to October 31st, brings together a diverse array of cinematic works from countries including Thailand, Brazil, India, and Italy. With a focus on both established international titles and promising new filmmakers, SIFF continues its mission to enrich young audiences with compelling narratives and innovative storytelling, while also nurturing the burgeoning film industry within the UAE.

Sharjah International Film Festival to Showcase Eclectic Global and Local Features

The 13th annual Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF), a beacon of cinematic exploration for young audiences, is scheduled to captivate attendees from October 26th to October 31st. This year's program boasts a fascinating mix of global and regional productions, with prominent titles making their Middle Eastern debuts.

Among the highly anticipated films in SIFF's prestigious Green Carpet program are Chayanop Bunprakob, Baz Poonpiriya, and Atta Hemwadee's poignant Thai drama, “Gohan.” This compelling narrative follows the journey of a stray dog over a decade, illustrating its encounters with three different owners. Also premiering in the region is Fabrizio Cattani's Italian feature, “Forever With You,” a captivating tale of two friends whose quest for a lost canine companion leads them into the mysterious depths of a forest, confronting unforeseen perils. Adding a touch of animated fantasy, Verena Fels' Austrian-German collaboration, “Monster Mia,” introduces audiences to a 12-year-old girl navigating a school populated by an array of fantastical creatures. Notably, director Baz Poonpiriya is celebrated for his previous successes, including the Thai box-office sensation “Bad Genius” and the Sundance-honored “One for the Road.”

The festival further extends its global reach with the Gulf premiere of Juan Cabral’s Argentinian feature, “Risa and the Wind Phone.” Cabral's earlier work, “Two/One,” garnered attention at Tribeca and was distributed internationally by Mubi. Indian director Ravi Nimbalkar’s “87 Rupees Ink Pen” will also mark its Middle East premiere, while Brazilian filmmaker Celia Catunda’s animated creation, “My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin,” arrives in Sharjah following its acclaimed debut at Annecy in 2025.

Animation enthusiasts can also look forward to “Tales From the Magic Garden,” a Czech-French-Slovak-Slovenian stop-motion feature from David Súkup, Patrik Pašš, Leon Vidmar, and Jean-Claude Rozec, another selection from the 2025 Annecy festival.

The festival proudly champions local talent through its shorts program. Abdulrahman Al Madani’s “Oug,” part of the Arabic short-film competition, sensitively explores the pressures faced by an Emirati couple to have children. This film, a recipient of the Gulf Capital-ADMAF Visual Arts Award in 2025, has also been screened at Denmark’s Odense International Film Festival.

In a commitment to fostering future filmmakers, SIFF provides a dedicated platform for young creators through its Child & Youth Made Films and student competitions, encompassing both live-action and animated works. The broader festival program is a vibrant mosaic of 71 films from 38 countries, meticulously chosen from 1,802 submissions representing 72 nations. Additionally, eight films will be screened out of competition. Morning sessions at VOX Cinemas City Centre Al Zahia are reserved for students, while evening screenings are open to the general public.

Beyond screenings, SIFF offers enriching workshops designed to introduce young participants to various aspects of filmmaking, including stop-motion and flipbook animation, cinematography, production management, and content creation. Italy, honored as this year's focus country, contributes with specialized workshops such as “The Italian Eye – Photography Through Light, Color & Composition” and “Tell a Story in Five Shots – Inspired by Italian Cinema.”

The festival's panel discussions delve into the practicalities of navigating the film industry. “Film Festivals Decoded: What Happens After You Press Submit?” brings together festival programmers and directors to demystify the selection process and program development. Moderated by Saudi Cinema Association CEO Hani Al Mulla, the panel features distinguished figures like Rotterdam Arab Film Festival artistic director Rosh Abdelfattah, American International University Kuwait executive director Alia Al Azzeh, and Alexandria Short Film Festival head Mohamed Mahmoud.

Another crucial panel, “How Do I Get My Next Film Made? From Idea to Financing,” will guide aspiring filmmakers through the essentials of pitching, development labs, and securing funding and co-production opportunities. Complementing the public program, the festival’s Industry Hub and pitching sessions will provide invaluable networking opportunities for emerging talent to connect with industry professionals and present their projects. The festival officially commences on October 25th, with screenings running from October 26th to October 31st, culminating in the closing ceremony on November 1st.

The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth stands as a testament to the power of cinema to educate, inspire, and connect across cultures. This event not only provides a unique platform for diverse voices and stories but also acts as a crucial incubator for the next generation of filmmakers, especially those emerging from the vibrant Emirati artistic landscape. By combining enriching screenings with practical workshops and insightful industry discussions, SIFF cultivates a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and empowers young individuals to explore their creative potential. It truly underscores the universal appeal of storytelling and its capacity to transcend geographical boundaries.