The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival will showcase 76 films from 26 countries, championing young filmmakers stories from 6–11 October.
SHARJAH: The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF), organised by FANN Media Discovery Platform, will take place from 6 to 11 October 2025 at VOX Cinemas in City Centre Al Zahia. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and supported by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the event serves as a platform for cultural exchange and creative development.
This year’s edition will screen 76 films selected from over 1,740 submissions across 26 countries. New participating nations include São Tomé and Príncipe, Ecuador, and Belize, marking their debut in the region’s growing youth film landscape.
In a major new addition, the festival will also host the Global Children & Youth Film Congress, focusing on the influence of cinema in shaping young Arab minds. The congress will explore how storytelling can address social issues, nurture local talent, and overcome regional challenges in filmmaking.
The festival’s Green Carpet will feature three Middle East premieres: the Dutch film Miss Moxy by Wip Vernooij and Vincent Bal, a Korean animation by Suryeon Jung, and Hajeer, a Saudi film directed by Sarah Talab. These films reflect SIFF’s commitment to diverse voices and compelling narratives.
SIFF will also feature a jury panel of 16 international experts from the film and media industry, including Syrian actress Yara Sabri, Emirati filmmaker Rawya Abdullah, South Korean director Jae Hoon Ahn, and award-winning creatives from Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, the US, and beyond.
Complementing the screenings, SIFF Pop-Up will be hosted at the Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park. It will offer hands-on workshops and creative activations to nurture young talents and promote practical filmmaking skills among UAE youth.
