SHARJAH: The 11th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) continues to impress, with its captivating films, engaging workshops, and insightful discussions and Palestine lit up Day 3. This year, the festival celebrates Palestine as the Guest of Honour, running until October 12. Attendees are treated to a special focus on Palestinian cinema, offering a chance to connect with its rich culture and talented filmmakers.

On the third night, “Palestine Night” drew a large crowd, showcasing a mix of Palestinian and international films. Workshops during the event highlighted Palestine’s history, culture, and heritage, sending a message of hope and solidarity from Sharjah and the UAE to the Palestinian people.

One of the main attractions was the “Green Carpet” screening of The Teacher, a powerful Palestinian film directed by Farah Nabulsi, a BAFTA-winning and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker. The film had a deep emotional impact on the audience, portraying the difficult choices Palestinians face under Israeli occupation. The story follows two parallel narratives—one of Professor Bassem, played by Saleh Bakri, and his student Adam, portrayed by Muhammad Abdel Rahman. The film vividly illustrates life in Palestine, touching on everything from Israeli checkpoints to the daily struggles of families.

Nabulsi used symbolic imagery, like olive trees, to highlight themes of resilience and hope. Speaking at a panel titled “Change Makers and Influencers: The Future of The Palestinian Narrative,” Nabulsi emphasized the importance of telling Palestinian stories, especially in today’s world where narratives are often contested.

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Hanna Atallah, founder of Film Lab Palestine, also spoke during the festival, focusing on the role of Palestinian youth in filmmaking. He discussed how festivals like Palestine Cinema Days empower young creators to share their stories and preserve Palestinian heritage.

The evening wrapped up with interactive workshops, where participants explored Palestinian culture through virtual reality, traditional embroidery, and heartfelt messages from the children of Sharjah to their peers in Palestine.