Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth Unveils 13th Edition Dates, Celebrates Italy as Country of Honour
The prestigious festival returns from 25th October to 1st November 2026, featuring Italian cinema and culture alongside international and Arab films for young audiences.
The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) has announced its return for a landmark 13th edition, welcoming audiences from 25th October to 1st November 2026. The festival will transform City Centre Al Zahia and House of Wisdom into vibrant cultural hubs, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council.
This year’s edition places Italy in the spotlight as Country of Honour, celebrating a nation whose cinematic and cultural contributions have shaped global filmmaking across generations. The designation reflects SIFF’s commitment to fostering creative dialogue between the United Arab Emirates and international filmmaking communities, whilst introducing young audiences to diverse storytelling traditions and cultural perspectives.
Championing Young Voices Through Cinema
Organised by FANN, the eight-day festival continues its mission to empower children and youth through the transformative power of cinema. The programme will encompass international and Arab films, interactive experiences and opportunities for young audiences to engage directly with filmmakers and storytellers from around the world.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, emphasised the festival’s broader purpose: “Cinema gives children and youth the opportunity to see the world through different eyes, opening windows onto new cultures, ideas and experiences, whilst encouraging them to think creatively and tell stories of their own.”
The director underscored Sharjah’s dedication to investing in younger generations, providing them with knowledge, creative tools and platforms for self-expression. “With every edition of SIFF, our ambition is to create a space where young audiences can discover, question, imagine and be inspired,” she noted.
Building a Regional Cultural Destination
Over more than a decade, SIFF has established itself as a premier platform for cinema and youth empowerment in the region. The 13th edition reinforces Sharjah’s standing as a leading destination for arts and culture initiatives that celebrate emerging voices and creative expression.
The Italian Country of Honour programme will offer comprehensive opportunities to explore Italian storytelling and cultural heritage through film, enriching the festival experience for audiences of all ages. This celebration exemplifies SIFF’s broader vision of using cinema as a bridge between nations and cultures.
Additional details regarding the 2026 film line-up, international guests, workshops and special programming will be released in the forthcoming weeks.
Source: WAM