Sharjah:The 13th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Government Relations. The event, organized by FANN - Media Discovery Platform, is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.
According to Wam, the opening ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director-General of Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators and Director of SIFF. The festival is being celebrated at the University of the Arts in Sharjah, with Italy recognized as this year's Guest of Honour.
The festival, which runs until 1st November 2026, features 71 films from 38 countries, selected from over 1,800 submissions. It marks the first participation of Brunei, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania, with the highest number of films submitted by Egypt, France, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, and India. Screenings are taking place at VOX Cinemas in City Centre Al Zahia and the House of Wisdom.
Huda Ahmed Al Harmoudi, Deputy Director of FANN, emphasized the festival's mission to support children's dreams and give young people a platform for expression. She highlighted the importance of imagination and storytelling, inspired by the values of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
The opening ceremony also celebrated prominent figures in Arab and Gulf cinema, with Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to Emirati actor Habib Ghuloom, Kuwaiti actor Mohammed Al Mansour, and Syrian actress Mona Wassef. Youth Awards were given to Emirati actor Ahmed Al Mazem and others.
The festival aims to foster a love for cinema among young people through various programmes, including the Promising Jurors Programme and Festival Ambassadors Programme. The Green Carpet screenings feature films from Thailand, Italy, Austria, and Germany, exploring themes like adventure and friendship.