emirates7 - The 11th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Complex.
Held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the event honored distinguished filmmakers, directors, and industry professionals.
A highlight of the festival was its competitive segment, which awarded winners across eight categories. The Best Feature Film award went to "Amakor," directed by Ahmed Al-Khodary, while "Mar Mama," directed by Magdy Al-Omari, was recognized as the Best Arabic Short Film.
"Hooves," by Fargul Masroorad and Hossein Zeitounejad, secured the Best International Short Feature award, and "The Seven Waves," directed by Asma Bseiso, won Best Documentary Film. In the animation category, "Diplodocus" by Wojtek Favsztyk was named Best Animated Feature Film, while "Lola and the Sound Piano," directed by Augusto Zanovilo, earned Best Animated Short. "Recordari," directed by Carolina Cruz, received the award for Best Student Film, and "Differentiation," by Yeha Kwon, won Best Film Made by Children and Youth.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General Director of FANN and SIFF, commended SIFF's role in nurturing artistic appreciation among the younger generation, solidifying its position within Sharjah’s cultural landscape.
She remarked, "The festival has developed into a distinctive model within the Arab cultural scene, celebrating films made for and by children, teens, and youth, while offering a platform for emerging talents to share their creative visions." She also highlighted that the diversity and quality of the films left a strong impression on both the jury and audiences.
Sheikha Jawaher announced that, through strategic partnerships, this year's award-winning films will be made available on major streaming platforms, including Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and Roku. This initiative reflects SIFF’s ongoing commitment to supporting filmmakers by providing a global audience for independent films.
Expressing her appreciation, she thanked the festival’s dedicated teams and volunteers, describing them as the "spirit of the festival" for their vital contributions to its success.
The 11th edition of SIFF achieved remarkable success, drawing over 50,000 visitors over six days. Audiences enjoyed a selection of 100 films from more than 90 countries, including a debut participation from Zimbabwe.
Through its "Green Carpet" platform, the festival hosted the Middle Eastern premieres of three films. Additionally, SIFF honored Palestine as its inaugural guest of honor, showcasing a selection of Palestinian films and organizing workshops inspired by Palestinian heritage.
During the closing ceremony, the festival recognized its supporters and partners. Key sponsors included the Sharjah Government Media Office (Strategic Media Partner), Al Hilal Enterprises (Platinum Partner), Abu Dhabi Media, and Sharjah Retail Company (Gold Sponsors). Further support was provided by Emirates Airlines, Sharjah International Airport, AGMC – BMW, and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority.
Held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the event honored distinguished filmmakers, directors, and industry professionals.
A highlight of the festival was its competitive segment, which awarded winners across eight categories. The Best Feature Film award went to "Amakor," directed by Ahmed Al-Khodary, while "Mar Mama," directed by Magdy Al-Omari, was recognized as the Best Arabic Short Film.
"Hooves," by Fargul Masroorad and Hossein Zeitounejad, secured the Best International Short Feature award, and "The Seven Waves," directed by Asma Bseiso, won Best Documentary Film. In the animation category, "Diplodocus" by Wojtek Favsztyk was named Best Animated Feature Film, while "Lola and the Sound Piano," directed by Augusto Zanovilo, earned Best Animated Short. "Recordari," directed by Carolina Cruz, received the award for Best Student Film, and "Differentiation," by Yeha Kwon, won Best Film Made by Children and Youth.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General Director of FANN and SIFF, commended SIFF's role in nurturing artistic appreciation among the younger generation, solidifying its position within Sharjah’s cultural landscape.
She remarked, "The festival has developed into a distinctive model within the Arab cultural scene, celebrating films made for and by children, teens, and youth, while offering a platform for emerging talents to share their creative visions." She also highlighted that the diversity and quality of the films left a strong impression on both the jury and audiences.
Sheikha Jawaher announced that, through strategic partnerships, this year's award-winning films will be made available on major streaming platforms, including Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and Roku. This initiative reflects SIFF’s ongoing commitment to supporting filmmakers by providing a global audience for independent films.
Expressing her appreciation, she thanked the festival’s dedicated teams and volunteers, describing them as the "spirit of the festival" for their vital contributions to its success.
The 11th edition of SIFF achieved remarkable success, drawing over 50,000 visitors over six days. Audiences enjoyed a selection of 100 films from more than 90 countries, including a debut participation from Zimbabwe.
Through its "Green Carpet" platform, the festival hosted the Middle Eastern premieres of three films. Additionally, SIFF honored Palestine as its inaugural guest of honor, showcasing a selection of Palestinian films and organizing workshops inspired by Palestinian heritage.
During the closing ceremony, the festival recognized its supporters and partners. Key sponsors included the Sharjah Government Media Office (Strategic Media Partner), Al Hilal Enterprises (Platinum Partner), Abu Dhabi Media, and Sharjah Retail Company (Gold Sponsors). Further support was provided by Emirates Airlines, Sharjah International Airport, AGMC – BMW, and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority.