Sharjah International Film Festival Showcases Korean Culture and Cinema

Sharjah International Film Festival 12 Celebrates Korean Culture Sharjah, October 11, 2025 – The 12th edition of the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) placed a spotlight on South Korea as its prestigious Guest of Honour, celebrating the richness of Korean cinema and culture through a series of workshops, panel discussions, and film screenings that captivated audiences of all ages. This year’s festival offered an immersive experience into the creative landscape that defines Korea’s presence on the global cultural stage. Attendees were treated to interactive sessions exploring the philosophical depth and emotional resonance of Korean storytelling that consistently bridges language and cultural divides. The focal point of the festival’s “Green Carpet” screening was the acclaimed Korean movie, 2:15 PM, directed by Seryeong Jung. The moving story centers on a ten-year-old girl who encounters another child living in isolation, unfolding a tender narrative about human connection and the strength of empathy. A major highlight was the panel discussion titled “A Journey Through Korean Cinema: From Korea to the World,” held at VOX Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia. It drew attention to the meteoric rise of Korean filmmaking and its widening global resonance, particularly among younger audiences. Korean school students also participated, showcasing self-directed short films that mirrored the imaginativeness and vision defining the next wave of Korean filmmakers. The session, moderated by the Korean Club in the UAE, featured insights from esteemed industry figures. Quoted in the discussion, Ralm Lee, Director of the Busan International Film Festival, remarked, “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.” Filmmaker Shin Seo-yeon also reflected on her personal cinematic journey starting with high school short films. She stated, “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.” Adding to the panel, 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.” Beyond film, the festival offered a multi-sensory exploration through hands-on workshops hosted at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. Visitors engaged with Korean cuisine, art, fashion, beauty, and music—all pillars of the global “Hallyu” wave that has significantly shaped pop culture around the world. The festival’s successful focus on Korea underscored the importance of fostering cross-cultural dialogue through the lens of cinema and the arts, offering young audiences a deeper understanding of global cultures while reinforcing the shared values between the UAE and South Korea. Team V.DIR-EM-UAE