SHARJAH (WAM)
The 11th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) continues to captivate audiences with diverse films, workshops, and discussions, celebrating Palestine as this year's Guest of Honour. Running until October 12, the festival provides attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of Palestinian cinema and engage with its talented filmmakers.
On the third night, the festival saw an impressive turnout, as "Palestine Night" showcased a compelling array of Palestinian and international films, alongside workshops that highlighted the rich history, culture, and heritage of Palestine. This special night stood as a message of hope and solidarity from Sharjah and the UAE with the Palestinian people.
As part of the prestigious “Green Carpet” screenings, the festival featured the Palestinian film The Teacher by Academy Award-nominated and BAFTA-winning director and producer, Farah Nabulsi. The film left a profound impact on festivalgoers, who were moved by its portrayal of the difficult choices Palestinians face in their struggle for freedom under Israeli occupation. The story unfolds through two parallel narratives: one centred on Professor Bassem, played by actor Saleh Bakri, and the other on his student Adam, portrayed by Muhammad Abdel Rahman. Through these intertwined stories, the film explores the harsh realities of life in Palestine, from the pervasive Israeli checkpoints to the daily challenges faced by families separated by occupation.
Nabulsi masterfully weaves cinematic elements to underscore the themes of loss, resilience, and hope, using symbolic imagery such as olive trees—iconic to Palestinian culture—under threat from settlers. The film’s climactic moments, including Adam’s graduation, serve as a testament to the sacrifices made by Palestinians to achieve their dreams in the face of oppression.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Change Makers and Influencers: The Future of The Palestinian Narrative” Nabulsi emphasized her commitment to telling stories rooted in Palestinian reality. “Palestinian cinema has long told the stories of our society, reflecting our struggles and aspirations. With the current war of narratives, it is more important than ever to share our truth with the world,” she said. Nabulsi also expressed gratitude that her films have been able to represent Palestinian cinema internationally, particularly during this time of immense suffering in Gaza.
Hanna Atallah, founder of Film Lab Palestine, was another highlight of the evening, participating in a session titled “The Next Generation and The Production of Arabic Content For Children & Youth” He discussed the organization’s role in encouraging Palestinian youth to tell their stories through the art of film-making. Atallah also spoke about the success of Palestine Cinema Days, a festival launched in 2014 that has since expanded to showcase films in six Palestinian cities. He emphasised how initiatives like these empower young filmmakers, allowing them to preserve Palestinian heritage and document their experiences despite the many obstacles they face.
The evening’s activities also included hands-on workshops, where participants explored Palestinian landmarks through virtual reality, learned traditional embroidery techniques, and created messages of hope to send from the children of Sharjah to their peers in Palestine. These workshops, led by experienced specialists, provided an interactive platform for visitors to connect with Palestinian culture and express solidarity through creative expression.