Palestinian films, workshops and panel discussions captivated audiences on the third day of the festival.
The third day of the 11th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) saw an impressive turnout, as ‘Palestine Night’ showcased a compelling array of Palestinian and international films, alongside workshops highlighting Palestine’s rich history, culture, and heritage. This special night was as a message of hope and solidarity from Sharjah and the UAE with the Palestinian people. SIFF is celebrating Palestine as this year’s ‘Guest of Honour’ giving audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of Palestinian cinema and engage with its talented filmmakers. The festival runs until October 12 at City Centre Al Zahia.
As part of its 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 centered 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.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled ‘Change Makers and Influencers: The Future of The Palestinian Narrative’ Nabulsi emphasised 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.
The other highlight of the evening was the ‘The Next Generation and The Production of Arabic Content For Children & Youth’ panel discussion headlined by Hanna Atallah, founder of Film Lab Palestine. Atallah discussed the organisation’s role in encouraging Palestinian youth to tell their stories through the art of filmmaking. He 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.
