His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated on Sunday evening the 12th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF), organised by FUNN\u00a0to provide an innovative platform that brings together filmmakers and creatives from around the world. The opening ceremony took place at Al Qasimia University Theatre.<\/p>\n
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\nDuring the ceremony, His Highness honoured the artists with the\u00a0Lifetime Achievement Award\u00a0in the UAE and the Gulf region. Emirati actor\u00a0Abdullah Saleh\u00a0and Saudi actor\u00a0Abdulmohsen Al Nemer\u00a0received the award in recognition of their artistic achievements and contributions to drama, theatre, and cinema.<\/p>\n
\nIn the youth category, His Highness honored Emirati actor\u00a0Marwan Abdullah Saleh\u00a0with the\u00a0Youth Award\u2014UAE and\u00a0Hala Al Turk\u00a0with the\u00a0Youth Award\u2014Gulf region, while Syrian actor\u00a0Bassel Khayat\u00a0received\u00a0special recognition for his significant impact on the Arab arts scene.<\/p>\n
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\nSheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, delivered the opening speech. She affirmed that the festival reflects Sharjah\u2019s commitment to being a nurturing home for children, a supporter of their talents, and an inspiration for their dreams, in the visionary leadership of\u00a0His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife\u00a0Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, who have worked to make culture a bridge for human development and enlightenment.<\/p>\n
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\nSheikha Jawaher added: \u201cAs the festival continues its journey that began 12 years ago, it reminds us that cinema is not only an art of entertainment but also a tool for learning, reflection, and discovery, a platform for exchanging human experiences. This year\u2019s edition features interactive workshops, panel discussions, and inspiring sessions that allow children and youth to express themselves, shape their worlds, and build their dreams on screen.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nShe also highlighted that the festival, through its diverse activities, seeks to develop local, Gulf, and Arab cinema and shape its future. The films featured carry the pulse of youth and the determination of creatives who see cinema as a tool for change, expression, and connection between people.<\/p>\n
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\nOn the international front, Sheikha Jawaher stated: \u201cThrough this year\u2019s selection, we look at\u00a0Korean cinema\u00a0with all its depth, artistry, and powerful performances, showing how cinema transcends language and cultural boundaries and can become both a vital economic driver and a soft power that reaches across geographies. We also celebrate creative works from\u00a0Belize, Ecuador, and S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe, which are participating in the festival for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nShe revealed that the festival supports several humanitarian initiatives by the\u00a0Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, with proceeds from ticket sales going toward efforts to protect and empower vulnerable children, reflecting\u00a0FUNN\u2019s\u00a0strong commitment to social responsibility.<\/p>\n
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\nActor\u00a0Marwan Abdullah Saleh\u00a0also delivered a speech, saying: \u201cOver the past twelve years, the festival has become a platform for youth and a source of inspiration. It has succeeded in creating an environment that nurtures confidence and supports ambition, enabling young people to pursue their creative paths and become active contributors to the film industry, further strengthening Sharjah\u2019s role as a hub of culture and creativity under its visionary leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nHe emphasized the vital role of youth in advancing cinema, describing them as the \u201cmakers of the future,\u201d whose innovative ideas turn dreams into visuals, thoughts into scenes, and imagination into reality. He added that through SIFF, their potential is nurtured, their talents developed, and their path to leadership in the field of cinema strengthened.<\/p>\n
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\nHis Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also viewed a documentary highlighting the festival\u2019s goals, focusing on developing young talents\u2019 skills in film production, enhancing their understanding of lighting, editing, and directing, and familiarising them with the latest tools and technologies used in global cinema.<\/p>\n
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\nHis Highness was also introduced to the festival\u2019s\u00a0jury members, which include\u00a016 directors and film experts, and learned about the festival\u2019s highlights:\u00a074 films\u00a0selected from\u00a01,740 submissions across 26 countries. The\u00a0Green Carpet will host\u00a0three Middle East premieres: The Dutch film\u00a0\u201cMiss Moxy\u201d, The Korean film\u00a0\u201c2:15 PM\u201d\u00a0by director Seryeong Jung, and The Saudi film\u00a0\u201cHajir\u201d\u00a0by director Sarah Taleb.<\/p>\n
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\nThis year, SIFF celebrates\u00a0Korean cinema\u00a0as the\u00a0Guest of Honour, showcasing a selection of Korean films known for their emotional depth and artistic excellence, offering audiences a chance to explore their history, philosophy, and universal appeal.<\/p>\n
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\nThe opening ceremony was attended by\u00a0Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations;\u00a0Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, along with senior officials, filmmakers, artists, and special guests from the cinema industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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