This Saturday, the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) concluded its 11th edition with a grand closing ceremony held at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Complex.
Under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the event honoured outstanding filmmakers, directors, and industry professionals, solidifying SIFF’s reputation as a vital platform for young talent in the Arab cultural scene.
The heart of the festival was its prestigious competition, awarding filmmakers across eight categories. Notably, “Amakor,” directed by Ahmed Al-Khodary, captured the Best Feature Film award, while “Mar Mama” by Magdy Al-Omari was celebrated as the Best Arabic Short Film. In the international arena, “Hooves,” directed by Fargul Masroorad and Hossein Zeitounejad, took home the Best International Short Feature award, and “The Seven Waves,” directed by Asma Bseiso, was recognized as Best Documentary Film. Animation was also in the spotlight, with Wojtek Favsztyk’s “Diplodocus” winning Best Animated Feature Film and Augusto Zanovilo’s “Lola and the SoundPiano” receiving the Best Animated Short accolade. The festival also honoured aspiring filmmakers, with “Recordari,” directed by Carolina Cruz, winning Best Student Film, and “Differentiation,” directed by Yeha Kwon, being awarded Best Film Made by Children and Youth.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General Director of FANN and SIFF, commended the festival’s role in nurturing artistic appreciation among future generations. “SIFF has evolved into a unique model in the Arab cultural scene, celebrating the cinema of children, teenagers, and youth while providing a platform for creative expression,” she stated. The diverse and high-quality films captivated both jurors and audiences, showcasing a wealth of talent.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Sheikha Jawaher revealed that this year’s winning films would soon be available on major streaming platforms including Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and Roku. This initiative reflects SIFF’s commitment to supporting filmmakers and broadening the audience for independent artistic works. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the festival’s dedicated teams and volunteers, acknowledging them as the “spirit of the festival.”
Attracting over 50,000 visitors over six days, the 11th edition of SIFF showcased 100 films from more than 90 countries, marking a significant debut participation from Zimbabwe. The festival introduced the “Green Carpet” platform, which premiered three films for the first time in the Middle East, and honoured Palestine as its first-ever guest of honour, featuring a rich selection of Palestinian films and workshops inspired by the region’s heritage.
The closing ceremony also celebrated the festival’s key supporters and partners. Notable sponsors included the Sharjah Government Media Office as the Strategic Media Partner, Al Hilal Enterprises as the Platinum Partner, and Abu Dhabi Media and Sharjah Retail Company as Gold Sponsors. Additional support came from Emirates Airlines, Sharjah International Airport, AGMC – BMW, and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority.
Peter Richards, Group CEO of Gulftainer, expressed his pride in supporting the festival, emphasizing its importance in nurturing creativity and media literacy among children and youth. “It inspires the next generation of storytellers and deepens their understanding of diverse cultures,” he remarked.
Echoing these sentiments, Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises, reflected on their 11-year partnership with SIFF. “We believe in the transformative power of initiatives like SIFF, which inspire young minds and foster cultural exchange. Our ongoing support underscores our commitment to education, creativity, and social responsibility, shaping a more informed and compassionate generation.”