Sharjah International Film Festival 2026 set for October 25–November 1, with Italy as Country of Honour.
Dubai: Young film enthusiasts across the UAE can mark their calendars as the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) returns this October for its 13th edition.
The festival will run from October 25 to November 1 at City Centre Al Zahia and House of Wisdom in Sharjah, offering eight days of cinema, creativity and cultural exchange for children and young people.
Organised by FANN, SIFF 2026 builds on more than a decade of promoting cinema for and by younger generations. The programme will feature international and Arab films, interactive experiences, and opportunities for young audiences to meet filmmakers and storytellers from around the world.
The festival is being held under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council.
Italy takes the spotlight
A key highlight of SIFF 2026 will be its celebration of Italy as the Country of Honour, shining a spotlight on a rich cinematic tradition that has influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences.
Through a curated selection of films and cultural activities, the festival will introduce young audiences to Italian storytelling, creativity and culture, while offering a glimpse into the country’s distinctive cinematic heritage.
The Country of Honour programme will also foster deeper creative exchange between the UAE, Italy and the wider international filmmaking community.
For children and young people, the exchange offers an opportunity to discover a different culture and explore how films can capture the people, places and experiences that shape a country.
‘See the world through different eyes’
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, said cinema can offer children and young people a fresh perspective on the world, exposing them to different cultures, ideas and experiences.
“Cinema gives children and youth the opportunity to see the world through different eyes, opening windows onto new cultures, ideas and experiences, while encouraging them to think creatively and tell stories of their own. With every edition of SIFF, our ambition is to create a space where young audiences can discover, question, imagine and be inspired,” said Al Qasimi.
She added: “As we prepare to launch our 13th edition, we are delighted to celebrate Italy as our country of honour and introduce a new generation to its extraordinary cinematic and cultural legacy.”
More details to be announced
While the festival dates and Country of Honour have been confirmed, further details about the SIFF 2026 programme are yet to be announced.
Organisers are expected to reveal the film line-up, international guests, workshops, activities and special events in the coming weeks.
As the countdown begins, the 13th edition of SIFF is set to continue its focus on empowering younger generations through cinema, offering them opportunities to discover new cultures, explore fresh ideas and develop their own creative voices.
With Italy in the spotlight, the festival will offer young audiences a closer look at one of the world’s most influential cinematic traditions while creating new opportunities for cultural and creative exchange.
For Sharjah, SIFF’s return marks another chapter in its efforts to place children and young people at the heart of cultural life. The festival uses cinema not only as entertainment, but also as a tool for learning, imagination and exploring the world through different perspectives.
