In much of the world, children’s cinema still struggles for recognition, too often dismissed as educational side programming rather than an artistic or commercial force. The Sharjah Intl. Children’s Film Festival , which recently closed its 12th edition (Oct. 6-12), makes a compelling counterargument. The festival has evolved from a regional showcase into a gathering point for a growing international movement, one that sees children not just as viewers, but as participants, critics, and creators.

Across a week of screenings, workshops, and cross-cultural exchanges, SIFF reaffirmed that youth storytelling isn’t a niche, but a laboratory for empathy, creativity and imagination.

Here are five takeaways from this year’s festival.

Junior Jurors: When Kids Become the Critics

SIFF’s junior

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