Sharjah Children's Film Festival Gains UAE Media Authority as Partner
FANN and the National Media Authority signed an agreement on the festival's opening day covering screening permits, training and jury participation.
FANN – Media Discovery Platform and the UAE National Media Authority signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, October 26, 2026, the opening day of the 13th edition of the Sharjah Intl. Film Festival for Children and Youth, according to Variety. The agreement makes the National Media Authority an official supporting partner of the festival.
The cooperation covers film screening procedures, permits for screening participating films, and training and technical support. The authority will coordinate with embassies, consulates, cultural organizations and government entities where necessary to facilitate screening permits.
Festival teams will be trained on the authority's electronic services and will receive technical support aimed at streamlining regulatory procedures. National Media Authority representatives may also take part in festival juries and film evaluations.
The two organizations will additionally collaborate on the festival's media and communications activities. The National Media Authority was established by federal decree in December 2025, taking over functions previously held by the UAE Media Council, National Media Office and Emirates News Agency.
The 13th edition of the festival runs through November 1, 2026, with 71 films from 38 countries. Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi is the festival's director, and Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi is secretary-general of the National Media Authority.
Quick answers
When is the 13th Sharjah Intl. Film Festival for Children and Youth?
The 13th edition runs through November 1, 2026, with 71 films from 38 countries.
What does the agreement between FANN and the National Media Authority cover?
It covers film screening procedures and permits, training and technical support, possible jury participation, and collaboration on media and communications activities.