The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth signed an agreement with the UAE’s National Media Authority to enhance its operations. This pact provides the festival with technical support, training on electronic services, and specific procedures for screening films.
The National Media Authority will coordinate with government entities, cultural organisations, embassies, and consulates to facilitate necessary screening permits. Representatives from the authority will also join film evaluations and participate in festival juries.
The festival currently features 71 films from 38 countries and continues until 1 November. National Media Authority secretary-general Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi said, "Supporting content created for children and youth is an important part of our strategy to develop a competitive and sustainable national media sector."
Established by federal decree in December 2025, the National Media Authority assumed the roles of the Emirates News Agency, National Media Office, and UAE Media Council. The authority's mandate encompasses content standards, licensing, and media legislation and policy.
By adding a federal partner, the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth intends to create a pipeline for emerging filmmakers.
