Sharjah children’s film fest celebrates Korean culture

The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) celebrated South Korea on Friday as the Guest of Honour for its 12th edition.

This event offered audiences a window into the depth and creativity of Korean cinema, known for its powerful human stories and exceptional productions.

As part of this year’s programme, the festival hosted various interactive workshops and panel discussions highlighting Korean culture and its universal philosophy, showcasing how art and creativity can transcend language and cultural barriers.

The “Green Carpet” screening featured the Korean film “2:15pm” by director Seryeong Jung, telling the story of a 10-year-old girl who meets another child isolated from the world, discovering together the warmth of human connection and its power to break barriers.

A panel discussion titled “A Journey Through Korean Cinema: From Korea to the World” explored the reasons behind the global rise of Korean cinema and its influence on young audiences worldwide.

Held at VOX Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia, the session featured the experiences of Korean school students who created their own films, reflecting the creativity and imagination that define contemporary Korean cinema.

Moderated by the Korean Club in the UAE, the session featured remarks from Ralm Lee, Director of the Busan International Film Festival, who noted that Korean cinema’s success “did not happen overnight.”

She said, “K-pop and Korean dramas like Squid Game became global phenomena, reflecting the growing influence of Korean culture and cinema.”

“This success is the result of years of experimentation and creative effort. My visit to Sharjah’s festival showed me how much Korea and the UAE share, especially in values and a forward-looking vision for the future.”

Korean filmmaker Shin Seo-yeon shared that her journey began with short films during high school, inspiring her to continue in the field. Expressing her joy at screening her film in Sharjah, she added, “Cultural differences between the UAE and Korea highlight the uniqueness of both nations, each expressing its identity in its own way. I look forward to greater cultural collaboration in cinema. During COVID-19, global audiences discovered Korean cinema through streaming platforms, and today we’ve become part of one global culture, where technology and AI make creativity and connection easier than ever.”

Alaa Al Awadi, a member of SHOGO - the Korean Club in the UAE - said, “Our role is to build bridges between Korea and the UAE through culture, music, and cinema. Our collaboration with SIFF helps bring more Korean films to local audiences.”

She added that the club was born out of a growing passion for Korean culture, from K-pop to Korean cuisine, which has become a global trend thanks to social media, influencers, and rising international curiosity.

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park hosted a series of hands-on workshops where festival visitors explored the many facets of Korean culture, from its traditions and values to its art, music, and cuisine. Participants experienced Korean cooking, traditional and modern music, and the fashion and beauty trends that have become hallmarks of the global “Hallyu” wave, engaging directly with Korea’s creative and human spirit.

During the launch of SIFF in August, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General-Director of FANN and SIFF, said, “SIFF has grown into a truly global platform that not only inspires young filmmakers, but also reinforces Sharjah’s commitment to cultural dialogue and creative innovation.”

She highlighted the vital support of strategic partners, particularly Crescent Enterprises, which has enabled the festival to offer meaningful opportunities for children and youth to share their stories, explore human experiences, and connect with the wider world.

Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises, said, “We are proud to continue supporting SIFF as a platform that empowers the next generation of storytellers. Film is a universal language, one that connects people across borders and perspectives. Through our partnerships, we aim to foster an environment where young people can express themselves, explore diverse cultures, and shape a more empathetic, connected world.”