The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) concluded on Sunday, October 12, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The closing ceremony took place at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, in the presence of filmmakers, guests, and industry professionals.
Over six days, the festival welcomed more than 60,000 visitors, participants, and students, celebrating young filmmakers and honoring winners across various categories.
The Best Feature Film Award went to “My Driver & I” by Ahd Kamel, with Rola Khalil receiving a Special Mention for her performance. “Son” by Zhanna Bekmambetova won Best Short Animation Film, while “Miss Moxy” by Wib Vernooij received Best Animated Feature. “Every Living, Breathing Moment” by Angelo Visser won Best Film by Children and Youth, and “Coop” by Mujtaba Alhejji won Best Student Short Film. “The Old Klavirista” by Sarah Coppin received Best Student Short Animation.
“The Mullah” by Baha Al-Kadhimi won Best Arab Short Film, while “How to Open the Door” by Joan Ji Yey Hui and Ji Wan Park earned Best International Short Film. “Guardians of the Mountains” by Ali Fuad was awarded Best Documentary. Special Mentions went to Marion Provrov for “The Secret of the Black Hand” and Park So-yi for “2:15 PM”.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, said, “The festival’s success reflects its growing influence both locally and internationally. The festival has become a key part of Sharjah’s cultural landscape. Its impact lies in how it inspires young people to explore cinema as a form of self-expression and creativity. The winning films captivated audiences and juries alike with their strong storytelling, technical excellence, and artistic diversity.”
This year’s edition showcased 74 films selected from 1,740 submissions across 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia, France, Iran, Indonesia, Bahrain, Russia, India, and the Netherlands, alongside first-time participants from São Tomé and Príncipe, Ecuador, and Belize. The festival’s Green Carpet featured the regional premieres of “Miss Moxy”(Netherlands), “2:15 PM” (South Korea), and “Hajeer” (Saudi Arabia).
Korean cinema was the Guest of Honour, with a curated program highlighting its human-centered storytelling and global appeal.
The 12th edition also introduced the World Conference on Children and Youth Films, a new platform exploring cinema’s role in shaping awareness among Arab youth and discussing opportunities for developing the regional film industry.
In a gesture of social commitment, SIFF donated proceeds from ticket sales to the Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, supporting vulnerable children worldwide, reaffirming FUNN’s dedication to social responsibility.
Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said:“As the festival’s official tourism partner, we are proud to support initiatives that reflect Sharjah’s cultural and family values. Our collaboration with FUNN highlights our shared vision of fostering creativity and youth engagement.”
Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises, described the festival as “a vital platform for intercultural dialogue and creative empowerment.”
Fared Belbouab, CEO of Gulftainer Group, added, “Supporting SIFF reflects our commitment to empowering youth through creativity and collaboration, strengthening Sharjah’s role as a thriving hub of innovation.”
The closing ceremony also honored jury members, trainers, volunteers, partners, and sponsors, including Crescent Enterprises, Gulftainer, Sharjah Media City (Shams), the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, Sharjah Airport, Emirates Airline (official airline partner), and many others such as Sharjah Research Technology Park, House of Wisdom, Vox Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia, Sony, Nikon, and Palazzo Versace Hotel.
