The Sharjah International Film Festival 2025 concluded on Sunday, 12 October 2025, after six days of celebration, creativity, and global storytelling. Hosted under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the festival confirmed Sharjah’s growing reputation as the UAE’s cultural heartbeat for young filmmakers and global cinema lovers.
Sharjah International Film Festival has this understated pull that quietly sneaks up on you every year. I went one evening a couple of editions back expecting a standard festival crowd, but ended up sitting in a half-full theatre watching a short film from a director I’d never heard of, and by the credits the room was silent in that way only really good cinema can make happen. After, I wandered outside to the open-air screenings — string lights overhead, people stretched out on blankets, the desert air cool for once — and it felt like the whole thing was less about red carpets and more about stories actually landing with whoever was there to hear them. The lineup mixes big names with stuff you won’t see anywhere else, and that’s what keeps pulling me back. If you’re thinking of going in 2025, don’t just look at the headliners. Grab a ticket to something smaller, find a seat in the back, and let the film do its thing. You might walk out with a new favourite director or at least a quiet moment that sticks longer than the after-party. Bring a light jacket — Sharjah nights can surprise you.
Cinema That Shapes Imagination
More than 60,000 visitors filled the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park to experience the festival’s twelfth edition — a cinematic journey designed to inspire children, youth, and families. Festival director Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi summarised the spirit of the event: “The winning films stood out for the quality, diversity, and artistic depth of their stories.”
By the Numbers
- 6 days of screenings and workshops
- 60,000 visitors and participants
- 74 films selected from 1,740 entries
- 26 countries represented, including 3 first-time entrants
Winners Who Defined the Year
The Best Feature Film award went to My Driver & I by Ahd Kamel, while actor Rola Khalil received a Special Mention for her performance. Animation shone brightly again: Miss Moxy by Wib Vernooij claimed Best Animated Feature, and Son by Zhanna Bekmambetova earned Best Short Animation Film.
Other major winners included:
- Best Arab Short Film: The Mullah by Baha Al-Kadhimi
- Best International Short Film: How to Open the Door by Joan Ji Yey Hui and Ji Wan Park
- Best Documentary: Guardians of the Mountains by Ali Fuad
- Best Film by Children and Youth: Every Living, Breathing Moment by Angelo Visser
- Best Student Short Film: Coop by Mujtaba Alhejji
- Best Student Short Animation: The Old Klavirista by Sarah Coppin
Special Mentions went to Marion Provrov for The Secret of the Black Hand and Park So-yi for 2:15 PM.
Each project highlighted bold creativity and emotional honesty — proof that the Sharjah International Film Festival 2025 nurtures stories that connect generations and cultures.
A Truly Global Stage
Films came from 26 countries, stretching from France and Indonesia to Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. First-time submissions from São Tomé and Príncipe, Ecuador, and Belize broadened the festival’s reach.
The Green Carpet buzzed with families and young creators awaiting premieres of Miss Moxy (Netherlands), 2:15 PM (South Korea), and Hajeer (Saudi Arabia). Crowds queued early, and the atmosphere felt more like a global celebration than a formal screening.
Korean cinema was the Guest of Honour, with a curated programme that spotlighted South Korea’s emotive storytelling and technical innovation — a tribute to the country’s rising influence in youth cinema.
The World Conference Debut
This edition launched the World Conference on Children and Youth Films, a major new initiative. Experts discussed how cinema can build empathy and awareness among young viewers across the Arab world. The conference also examined training and funding models to develop the regional film industry.
Creativity Meets Compassion
In a gesture of social responsibility, festival organisers donated ticket proceeds to the Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, supporting vulnerable children around the world. This aligned perfectly with the mission of FUNN, the organisation behind the festival, which empowers young creatives through training and education.
Voices of Support
Partnerships played a huge role in this year’s success.
Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said: “As the festival’s official tourism partner, we are proud to support initiatives that reflect Sharjah’s cultural and family values.”
Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises, called the festival “a vital platform for intercultural dialogue and creative empowerment.”
Fared Belbouab, CEO of Gulftainer Group, added: “Supporting SIFF reflects our commitment to empowering youth through creativity and collaboration.”
Honouring the Community Behind the Festival
The closing ceremony at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park recognised jury members, volunteers, and partners such as Crescent Enterprises, Gulftainer, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, Sharjah Airport, Emirates Airline, House of Wisdom, Sony, Nikon, and Palazzo Versace Hotel. Their contributions fuelled the festival’s energy and impact.
Sharjah’s Growing Cultural Legacy
The Sharjah International Film Festival 2025 reinforced the emirate’s status as a centre for youth art and cinema. Sharjah’s consistent investment in culture — from literature to film — has positioned it as a creative hub for the region. The festival’s blend of education, social impact, and global outreach sets a standard few can match.
As the lights dimmed on this year’s edition, talk of the next already began. The thirteenth festival is expected to expand its industry programme and introduce new awards for emerging Arab talent. Sharjah’s cinematic journey shows no sign of slowing down.
It’s the twelfth edition of Sharjah’s film festival for children and youth, showcasing global films and emerging talent.
“My Driver & I” won Best Feature Film; “Miss Moxy” took Best Animated Feature; “The Mullah” won Best Arab Short; and “Guardians of the Mountains” claimed Best Documentary.
Seventy-four films were screened, selected from 1,740 entries across 26 countries.
Submissions for the 2026 edition open through the festival’s official portal with updated category guidelines and dates.