13th Sharjah Film Festival Awards: ‘Atlas of the Universe’ Wins Best Feature, Pitching Platform Doubles, Audience Award Debuts

The 13th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth concluded on Sunday, with Romanian-Bulgarian coming-of-age drama “Atlas of the Universe” by Paul Negoescu taking the top prize for best feature film. The jury praised the film’s story of a 10-year-old boy on an errand that expands into a poignant exploration of family and growing up. In the animation category, Celia Catunda’s “My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin” won best animated feature, celebrating cultural heritage through a child’s eyes. The festival, a key event in the UAE’s cultural calendar, also saw significant growth in its industry initiatives. The pitching platform, which connects filmmakers with financiers and producers, doubled its participation this year, reflecting rising regional interest in children’s content. For the first time, an audience award was introduced, allowing young viewers and families to vote for their favorite film, making the festival more interactive and community-driven. Why it matters: Sharjah’s festival is a bellwether for the Middle East’s growing children’s media sector, and these developments signal stronger investment and audience engagement. The wins for “Atlas of the Universe” and “My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin” highlight the global reach of stories that resonate with young audiences across cultures. Expect next year’s edition to build on this momentum, with even more regional and international projects vying for attention.