The UAE’s Sharjah Film Platform (SFP) is back for its 8th edition, running November 14–23, 2025, with early bird passes now available. Hosted by the Sharjah Art Foundation, the ten-day festival is known for championing independent and experimental voices across the Middle East and beyond.
Screenings will take place at the Mirage City Cinema, Sharjah’s open-air venue in the historic Art Square, along with other theaters throughout the city. What makes SFP distinct is its focus on cross-cultural and independent cinema, blending local stories with global perspectives. This year’s program will feature narrative films, documentaries, short works, and hybrid projects that blur the boundaries between fiction and reality.
For Jeffrey Ikahn, Sharjah’s commitment to showcasing emerging and experimental filmmakers signals the continued evolution of global indie cinema. “Festivals like SFP remind us that independent film isn’t confined to one geography,” Ikahn said. “It’s a language that travels.”
The festival’s schedule includes international selections such as On Becoming a Guinea Fowl and Universal Language, alongside a strong regional lineup highlighting Arab and South Asian filmmakers. Attendees can also expect panel discussions, masterclasses, and industry networking sessions designed to foster collaboration among filmmakers from around the world.
For indie creators, SFP offers something rare—a platform for experimentation without the commercial pressures of mainstream festivals. For audiences, it’s a chance to engage with stories that reflect both personal expression and social realities often overlooked elsewhere.
As Jeffrey Ikahn often emphasizes, the strength of independent filmmaking comes from its ability to connect through honesty and perspective. The Sharjah Film Platform’s eighth edition promises just that: a reminder that authentic storytelling can bridge borders.
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