Sultan bin Ahmed inaugurates Sharjah International Film Festival

During the opening ceremony, His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honored a group of artists with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UAE and Gulf level. The awards were received by Emirati actor Abdullah Saleh and Saudi actor Abdul Mohsen Al Nemer, in recognition of their achievements and contributions to enriching art in general through drama, theater and cinema. He also honored Abed Fahd with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Middle East level. In the youth category, His Highness honored Emirati actor Marwan Abdullah Saleh with the Youth Award at the UAE level, while actor Hala Al Turk was crowned with the Youth Award at the Gulf level. Basil Khayat was presented with a special award in appreciation of his efforts in enriching the Arab art scene with distinguished works.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah shared that the festival, now in its 12th year, highlights that cinema is more than just a form of entertainment. It serves as a valuable way to learn, reflect, and explore, while also providing a space for sharing human experiences. This year, the festival features engaging workshops, discussions, and inspiring meetings, all designed to give children and young people a chance to express themselves, share their creativity, and turn their dreams into reality on screen.

The Director of SIFF highlighted that the festival, through its various activities, is dedicated to developing local, Gulf, and Arab cinema, and shaping its future. She noted that the festival's films embody the pulse of youth and the insistence of creative minds that cinema be a tool for change, a means of expression, and a bridge for communication between people.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi highlighted the impressive international presence of films. She shared, "Through the films at this festival, we get to experience the rich storytelling and unique productions of Korean cinema. It's amazing how movies can connect people from different backgrounds, showing how they can be a powerful force beyond borders. We also have the pleasure of welcoming creative works from Belize, Ecuador, and Sao Tome and Principe, who are celebrating this festival with us for the first time."

She revealed the festival's support for several humanitarian initiatives sponsored by the Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation. Surplus ticket sales revenue from the current edition have been allocated to support the foundation's efforts to protect and empower vulnerable children, reflecting FANN's commitment to its social responsibilities.

Marwan Abdullah Saleh gave a speech highlighting the success of the festival over the past twelve years. He explained that the festival has become an important place for young people, helping to inspire them and boost their confidence. It provides support for their dreams and encourages their creative journeys, allowing them to become active members of the film industry. This success showcases Sharjah as a hub for creativity and a supporter of culture and the arts. Thanks to the wise vision of its leaders, Sharjah has become a center for cultural exchange, offering opportunities for creative individuals to shine and for young people to learn and experiment.

He stressed that young people have a crucial role in moving the film industry forward, calling them the creators of tomorrow. Their imaginative ideas take dreams and turn them into captivating images, transforming thoughts into engaging scenes and bringing creativity to life on screen. The festival aims to showcase how important it is to support and develop their talents, helping them become leaders in this exciting field.

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah viewed a video that outlined the goals of the festival, which aims to nurture the skills of new talent in the film industry. The video also showcased the key learning experiences available at the festival, notably the top training workshops designed to help participants improve their skills in various aspects of filmmaking, such as lighting, editing, and directing. Additionally, it emphasized the use of modern technology and equipment that is commonly found in the world of international cinema.

His Highness received an update about the festival and its jury, which includes 16 directors and film experts. This year’s festival features 74 films chosen from a pool of 1,740 entries from 26 different countries. Additionally, the Green Carpet will showcase three films making their debut in the Middle East: the Dutch film "Miss Moxie," the Korean film "2:15 PM," and the Saudi film "Hajeer."

This year, the festival is proudly honoring Korean cinema. Running until October 12, the event will feature a range of Korean films known for their deep and meaningful stories. This is a great chance for audiences to dive into the history and ideas behind these films, showcasing how they connect with people across different cultures.

Alongside His Highness, the opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators and Director of the Sharjah International Film Festival; several senior officials, a select group of artists, directors, film industry professionals, and guests of honor.