American University of Sharjah Becomes Primary Education Partner for HollyShorts MENA Film Festival
The prestigious institution will serve as principal venue host for the internationally acclaimed short-form storytelling platform, bringing the festival to Sharjah and fostering regional creative talent.
American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been appointed Primary Education Partner for HollyShorts MENA, establishing a significant collaboration that brings one of the world’s most distinguished short-form storytelling platforms to the region. The university’s College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) will function as the principal venue host, providing regional and international filmmakers with access to an internationally acclaimed platform.
The partnership represents a substantial development in the festival’s regional expansion, following the inaugural HollyShorts Dubai Festival held in December 2025. The next edition of HollyShorts MENA will take place from January 14-17, 2027, with AUS serving as the operational and creative hub for all core activities.
Through this collaboration, AUS will host festival screenings and panel discussions, leveraging its advanced production, screening and immersive technologies. The partnership encompasses educational initiatives designed to nurture emerging creators and student filmmakers both within AUS and across the broader region.
A cornerstone of the alliance is the AUS 48-Hour Film Hackathon, which HollyShorts MENA will orchestrate in partnership with CAAD. This intensive competition will feature student, faculty and industry participation alongside workshops, masterclasses, executive jury panels and networking opportunities. Members of the HollyShorts executive team will serve as judges, with outstanding submissions recognised across respective categories.
Dr. Matthias Ruth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS, commented on the partnership’s significance: “The selection of AUS as HollyShorts MENA’s Primary Education Partner recognises the university’s role as a regional hub for creative education and emerging talent. This alliance connects our students and faculty with a globally recognised film platform and brings international expertise directly into the classroom. It also supports emerging filmmakers as they build their craft, their networks, and their audiences.”
Jeff Pryor, Strategic Advisor of HollyShorts MENA, highlighted the operational advantages of the collaboration: “Securing this alliance with CAAD is a major step forward for HollyShorts MENA’s presence in the region. CAAD’s 4K HDR theatre gives filmmakers a screen worthy of their work. By gathering our core screenings, panels and networking events under one roof, we can connect international directors, students and executives.”
Source: WAM News Agency