The first Global Children and Youth Film Congress opened at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah as part of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth, reaffirming the emirate’s commitment to nurturing young creative talent and promoting purposeful storytelling across the Arab world.
The congress sessions, attended by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Affairs Authority, brought together filmmakers, media leaders, and cultural experts to discuss cinema’s influence on youth development, cultural identity, and social awareness.
Discussions explored three main themes: amplifying the voices of Palestinian children through cinema, the role of youth in shaping the future of filmmaking, and the contribution of film festivals in developing Arab and global cinema.
In her address, Sheikha Jawaher commended the festival and its participants for spotlighting issues that matter to future generations. She stressed the responsibility of media and film creators to present truthful narratives and use their platforms to strengthen values of justice, empathy, and cultural understanding.Her She said that the Palestinian cause, has always been, and will remain, close to the hearts of the UAE and especially Sharjah.
The session “Amplifying the Voices of Palestinian Children Through Cinema” featured Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation and Director of the festival; Ferdous Bulbulia, Director of the Nelson Mandela Film Festival; and Mohammed Keblawi, Founder and CEO of the Malmö Arab Film Festival. Speakers underscored cinema’s role as a medium for truth, resilience, and historical documentation, allowing children to become storytellers of their own realities.
A second session, “The Role and Impact of Children and Youth in Filmmaking and Shaping Its Future,” examined how governments and production companies can collaborate to build sustainable film ecosystems. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, highlighted ongoing strategies to support Emirati cinema, encourage youth participation, and prioritise local films in theatres.
The event also reflected on Sharjah’s pioneering role in advancing children’s and youth cinema. Since its launch in 2013, the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth has attracted over 234,000 visitors and showcased more than 12,000 films from 95 countries, including over 250 created by young filmmakers.
The congress concluded with a shared call to strengthen collaboration across Arab cinema institutions, develop educational platforms for young creators, and ensure that storytelling remains a tool for awareness, unity, and cultural dialogue.
