The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth opened Sunday evening with "A Better Place," a compelling Pakistani-Korean short film about an abandoned child who discovers an unexpected protector in an undocumented South Asian immigrant. The 13-minute film by director Ali Sohail marked the beginning of a festival edition that prominently features Korean cinema alongside debut entries from Ecuador, Belize, and Sao Tome and Principe.
Running through October 12, this year's festival showcases 74 carefully selected films from an impressive pool of 1,740 submissions representing 26 countries worldwide. Since its establishment in 2012 as the Gulf region's first festival exclusively dedicated to children's cinema, the event has consistently expanded its international reach while maintaining its core commitment to amplifying youth voices and providing educational programming.
Korea serves as this year's guest of honor, with Korean films featured prominently across multiple festival sections. Notable titles include Kim Yong-hwan's animated feature "Your Letter," based on a popular webtoon, and Jung Se-ryeong's 70-minute television film "2:15 PM," which will make its highly anticipated Middle East premiere during Friday's green carpet presentation.
The International Short Film category features six Korean entries competing for recognition: Min Ju-hong's "My Affection Is Alive," Kim Myo-gyeoung's "The Report Card," Park Ji-wan and Hui Ji-yey's "How To Open the Door," Ali Sohail's "A Better Place," Kim Young-jun's "Cat Translator," and Park Ho-beom's "The Good Student." Additionally, six Korean works from emerging student filmmakers are featured in the Child and Youth Film section, including Shin Seo-yeon's "Anamnesis," Jeong Ji-woo's "My Shortcake," and "To The Lactea" by Lee Chae-min, Lee Ha-jung, and Hong Su-min.
The festival's distinguished 16-member international jury includes three prominent Korean cinema figures who will evaluate different categories. Animation director Ahn Jae-hoon, known for "Green Days" and "The Shaman Sorceress," will assess animated features. Filmmaker Lee Hyun-jung, director of "Night Song," will judge student shorts, while respected film critic Lee Sang-yong will evaluate feature films.
Sunday's opening ceremony at Al Qasimia University Theatre was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, who presented lifetime achievement awards to several distinguished Arab artists. The honorees included Emirati actor Abdullah Saleh and Saudi actor Abdulmohsen Al Nemer at the UAE and Gulf levels respectively, plus Syrian actor Abed Fahed at the Middle East level.
Youth recognition awards were presented to Emirati actor Marwan Abdullah Saleh at the UAE level and Bahraini artist Hala Al Turk at the Gulf level, while Syrian actor Basel Khayat received a special award. In his acceptance speech, Marwan Abdullah Saleh praised the festival as "a platform for youth and a source of inspiration" that has successfully nurtured confidence and creative ambition over the past twelve years.
Festival director Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi outlined the event's broader educational mission in her opening remarks, emphasizing that cinema extends far beyond mere entertainment. She described film as "a tool for learning, reflection and discovery," highlighting the festival's comprehensive panel discussions and workshop sessions that encourage young people to express themselves creatively and transform their ideas into tangible reality.
Addressing the global scope of this year's programming, Sheikha Jawaher specifically praised Korean cinema's "depth, artistry and powerful performances" as a prime example of how film transcends language barriers and functions as both "a vital economic driver and a form of soft power." This recognition underscores the growing international influence of Korean cultural content and its ability to connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
In alignment with the festival's focus on Korean cinema, Friday's schedule will feature special dedicated sessions exploring various aspects of Korean filmmaking. These will include presentations from Korean filmmakers, hands-on workshops for aspiring young creators, and in-depth discussions about Korea's rapidly expanding cultural footprint and influence in the global entertainment industry.
Screenings throughout the festival week take place at VOX Cinema in City Centre Al Zahia in Sharjah, with morning sessions specifically reserved for student audiences and evening shows open to the general public. Additional venues at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park will host various workshops and interactive activities designed to engage young participants throughout the week-long celebration of international cinema.
