October 5, 2025 – Sharjah, UAE
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), organized by FUNN. The festival continues to serve as an innovative platform uniting filmmakers and creatives from across the globe. The opening ceremony was held at Al Qasimia University Theatre.

During the ceremony, His Highness honoured a distinguished group of artists with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to cinema, theatre, and drama. At the UAE and Gulf levels, the awards were presented to Emirati actor Abdullah Saleh and Saudi actor Abdulmohsen Al Nemer. In the Middle East category, Syrian actor Abed Fahed was recognized for his exceptional body of work and enduring impact on the regional arts scene.

In the Youth category, His Highness presented Emirati actor Marwan Abdullah Saleh with the Youth Award at the national level, while Bahraini artist Hala Al Turk received the same honour at the Gulf level. A special award was also granted to Syrian actor Basel Khayat in appreciation of his influential role in enriching the Arab artistic landscape with remarkable works.

Delivering the opening address, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, affirmed that the festival reflects Sharjah’s steadfast commitment to nurturing young talent and inspiring their dreams, under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. She noted that both leaders have worked tirelessly to make culture a bridge for human development and enlightenment.

“As 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,” Sheikha Jawaher said. “This year’s 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.”

Sheikha Jawaher also emphasized the festival’s ongoing efforts to advance local, Gulf, and Arab cinema and to contribute to its future development. The films showcased this year, she explained, embody the energy of youth and the determination of creatives who view cinema as a tool for change, expression, and connection.

On the international front, she remarked:

“Through this year’s selection, we look at Korean cinema with 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 Belize, Ecuador, and São Tomé and Príncipe, which are participating in the festival for the first time.”

She further revealed that proceeds from ticket sales would support humanitarian initiatives by the Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, reflecting FUNN’s deep commitment to social responsibility and its mission to protect and empower vulnerable children.

Actor Marwan Abdullah Saleh, who was among the honourees, also delivered a speech in which he praised the festival’s transformative role:

“Over 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’s role as a hub of culture and creativity under its visionary leadership.”

He highlighted the importance of empowering young filmmakers, describing them as “the makers of the future,” whose innovative ideas turn dreams into visuals, thoughts into scenes, and imagination into reality. Through SIFF, he added, their potential is nurtured, their talents developed, and their path toward leadership in cinema is strengthened.

As part of the ceremony, His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah viewed a documentary outlining the festival’s goals — notably, developing young talents’ skills in film production, deepening their understanding of lighting, editing, and directing, and introducing them to the latest global filmmaking tools and technologies.

His Highness was also introduced to the festival’s jury panel, comprising 16 directors and film experts, and learned about this year’s highlights: 74 films were selected from 1,740 submissions across 26 countries. The festival’s Green Carpet will host three Middle East premieres:
• The Dutch film “Miss Moxy”
• The Korean film “2:15 PM” by director Seryeong Jung
• The Saudi film “Hajir” by director Sarah Taleb

This year, SIFF celebrates Korean cinema as its Guest of Honour, presenting a rich selection of films recognized for their emotional resonance and artistic mastery offering audiences an opportunity to explore Korea’s cinematic history, cultural philosophy, and universal storytelling appeal.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF; senior officials; filmmakers; artists; and distinguished guests from the global film industry.