Cinema as a force for good: Sharjah’s global congress charts the future of film for young audiences

As filmmakers and experts gather at the second Global Children and Youth Film Congress, Sharjah reaffirms its commitment to nurturing creative talent and ensuring that cinema serves as a meaningful tool for shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation.

The House of Wisdom in Sharjah became a meeting place for cinema’s most thoughtful voices this week, as H.H. Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the second Global Children and Youth Film Congress. Part of the 13th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth, the congress brings together filmmakers, experts and specialists from across the world to contemplate cinema’s role in the lives of young people and to wrestle with the profound questions that face the industry today.

The congress unfolds under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. In her address to delegates, Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators and Director of the festival, spoke of a vision grounded in belief: that cinema is far more than entertainment. It is, she suggested, an instrument of influence, capable of enriching the experiences of children and young people while raising awareness of the issues that matter most.

Three central themes animate this year’s discussions. The first examines storytelling as a force for strengthening family bonds, for reinforcing culture and identity, and for advancing communities. The second calls for the creation of responsible content that genuinely meets the needs and aspirations of younger audiences. The third, perhaps most significantly, advocates for building a film industry that is genuinely inclusive: one that provides people with disabilities authentic opportunities to express their perspectives and to showcase their abilities on screen.

During a discussion session on strengthening family bonds through storytelling, speakers including Nahla Hamdan of the Child Safety Organization and Rashid Humaid Sahoo of Sharjah Media City (Shams) addressed the delicate balance that families must strike. They spoke of the challenges parents face in guiding children towards age-appropriate content, and of filmmakers’ responsibility to address issues such as bullying, mental health and digital safety with care and nuance. Arwa Al Maeeni, representing the Ministry of Family, emphasised the potential of film and storytelling to open dialogue between parents and children on social issues, while honouring the importance of preserving local values and traditions in an increasingly connected world.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi concluded her remarks by articulating the congress’s ultimate ambition: to transform the exchange of ideas into practical partnerships that will shape the future of cinema for young people. The goal, she said, is to give every child and young person the opportunity to find their voice, tell their story, and play a part in that future. In this spirit, the congress reflects Sharjah’s broader commitment to investing in people and nurturing the creative talent of the next generation, a theme that has defined recent cultural initiatives in the emirate.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This congress represents a broader commitment across the UAE to recognising that cinema, media and storytelling are not frivolous pursuits but essential tools for shaping society. By convening global expertise in Sharjah, the UAE signals that it takes seriously the role of creative industries in developing young minds and fostering cultural identity.

The emphasis on inclusive filmmaking and on content that reflects Emirati values while remaining open to global cultures speaks to a sophisticated understanding of how the nation’s creative sector can mature. As the UAE continues to develop its media and film industries, conversations like those taking place at this congress help ensure that growth is purposeful and that emerging talent receives the guidance and institutional support needed to thrive.

Source: WAM