Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth 2026 Returns This October with Italy as Country of Honour
Taking place from 25 October to 1 November 2026, SIFF 2026 will be held across City Centre Al Zahia and House of Wisdom, with Italy named as this year’s Country of Honour.
Organised by FANN, the festival will once again create a platform where children and young people can discover international and Arab cinema, interact with filmmakers and storytellers, and explore cultures and perspectives from around the world.
Event: Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) 2026
Edition: 13th
Dates: 25 October – 1 November 2026
Locations: City Centre Al Zahia and House of Wisdom, Sharjah
Country of Honour: Italy
Organised by: FANN
Programme: International and Arab cinema, interactive experiences, workshops and special programming, with the detailed line-up to be announced
Italy Named SIFF 2026 Country of Honour
One of the major highlights of this year’s festival will be its celebration of Italian cinema and culture.
Italy’s influence on international filmmaking spans generations, and SIFF 2026 will introduce younger audiences in the UAE to the country’s storytelling and cinematic heritage through dedicated programming.
The Country of Honour programme is also expected to encourage greater cultural and creative exchange between the UAE and Italy, while connecting young audiences with the wider international filmmaking community.
Further details about the Italian films and special activities forming part of the programme are yet to be announced.
Eight Days of Cinema and Creativity in Sharjah
Since its launch, SIFF has focused on cinema created both for and by younger generations, using filmmaking as a way for children and youth to discover new ideas and develop their own creative voices.
The 13th edition will continue that approach through a programme of international and Arab films, interactive experiences and opportunities to engage with filmmakers and storytellers.
According to Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, cinema provides younger audiences with an opportunity to experience different cultures, ideas and perspectives while encouraging them to think creatively and tell stories of their own.
The festival’s wider ambition is to provide a space where young audiences can “discover, question, imagine and be inspired.”
City Centre Al Zahia and House of Wisdom to Host SIFF
This year’s festival will take place across two Sharjah destinations: City Centre Al Zahia and House of Wisdom.
From 25 October through 1 November, the venues will become meeting points for young audiences, filmmakers and the wider creative community.
The festival is held under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council.
Their support reflects Sharjah’s broader focus on investing in younger generations through education, knowledge, culture and creative expression.
What to Expect from SIFF 2026
While the dates and Country of Honour have now been confirmed, the complete programme is still to come.
Organisers are expected to announce further information about the SIFF 2026 film selection, international guests, workshops, activities and special programming in the coming weeks.
For families, young filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, those announcements should provide a clearer picture of which screenings and experiences to add to the calendar.
The festival also provides an opportunity for younger audiences to experience cinema beyond mainstream theatrical releases, discovering films and stories from different parts of the world in an environment specifically created around children and youth.
Save the Date for SIFF 2026
With Italy taking centre stage and an international programme still to be revealed, the 13th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth is set to add another major cultural event to Sharjah’s autumn calendar.
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