Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations, officially opened the 13th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth on October 26, 2026, at the University of the Arts in Sharjah. The inauguration ceremony recognised Italy as this year’s guest of honour for its longstanding contributions to cinema and the arts. According to the Emirates News Agency, the festival’s programming introduces young viewers to Italian storytelling methods while building opportunities for cultural and creative collaboration between the two countries.
The festival continues until November 1, 2026, and presents 71 films from 38 countries within its competitive section in addition to eight titles screened outside competition. Organisers chose these works from a total of 1,802 submissions that arrived from 72 countries. Brunei, Burkina Faso and Mauritania are taking part for the first time, while Egypt, France, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia and India recorded the largest number of accepted entries.[[1]](https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c2xrapy-13th-sharjah-international-film-festival-for)
Three Green Carpet screenings will feature films that address themes of adventure, friendship, belonging and human relationships. The Italian title “Forever With You” screens on October 30, 2026, one day after the Thai film “Gohan” and before the Austrian-German animated work “Monster Mia” on October 31. The Emirates News Agency reported that these presentations form part of a schedule that also includes workshops inspired by Italian cinema, such as sessions on photography and narrative construction.[[3]](https://variety.com/2026/film/global/sharjah-film-festival-2026-gohan-monster-mia-lineup-1236918583/)
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of the festival, described the selection of Italy as particularly meaningful because of its artistic legacy. She added, “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.” The event operates under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi and is organised by FANN Media Discovery Platform.[[4]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2026/09/02/Ma14)
Italy previously served as guest of honour at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair in 2022, an occasion that featured Italian publishers, theatrical performances, dance, music and culinary demonstrations to deepen bilateral relations. A subsequent 2025 exhibition in Rome organised by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority displayed artefacts tracing the emirate’s role on the Spice Route and connections stretching back 500,000 years. These activities illustrate Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to promote intercultural dialogue through multiple platforms that engage diverse audiences.[[5]](https://www.wam.ae/en/article/hszrfsnw-italy-guest-honour-sharjah-international-book)
The festival further includes an industry hub offering pitching sessions and panel discussions that address the transition from production to distribution for emerging filmmakers. Additional programming encompasses child and youth-made films together with student competitions spanning live-action and animation categories. Such components aim to equip participants with practical skills while exposing them to international industry standards.