Returning for its 8th edition, the Sharjah Film Platform (SFP) will take place from 14 to 23 November 2025, featuring a rich international and regional film programme across multiple venues in Sharjah. With the Early Bird Pass now on sale for a limited time, festival-goers are offered an affordable gateway into 10 days of diverse cinema, thought-provoking narratives, and celebrated films, both global and local.
A 10 day celebration of independent and global cinema
The Sharjah Film Platform 2025 is set to unfold at the Mirage City Cinema , a distinctive open-air venue nestled within Sharjah’s historical quarter, along with other participating cinemas across the emirate. Organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation , the festival serves as a cultural cornerstone in the region’s cinematic calendar, spotlighting a broad spectrum of film styles and voices—from emerging regional filmmakers to globally recognised auteurs.
Early bird pass: Full access and added perks
The Early Bird Pass, priced at 40 AED, provides unlimited entry to all film screenings scheduled during the 10-day event. Available for a limited one-month window, this special pass is aimed at both returning festival attendees and newcomers looking to explore the platform's extensive programming.
Each pass comes in the form of a ticket embedded with a barcode and serial number, allowing holders direct access to screenings. While advance reservations for specific films are not mandatory, pass holders can still check in at any festival box office to reserve a seat using the serial number.
In addition to unlimited screening access, festival merchandise is included as part of the Early Bird offer—making it a comprehensive package for those wanting a full festival experience.
What’s on the screen: Featured films at SFP 2025
This year’s programme offers a carefully curated selection of narrative, documentary, and experimental films, reflecting the creative range and global scope of the platform. Highlights include:
1. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024)
2. Universal Language (2024)
A platform for regional and global film voices
Sharjah Film Platform continues to distinguish itself as a hub for independent filmmaking and cross-cultural dialogue, championing films that push boundaries and engage with complex social themes. With its mix of first-time filmmakers and seasoned directors, the festival offers an immersive cinematic experience designed for cinephiles, industry professionals, and the curious public alike.
Early Bird Passes are no on sale through the Sharjah Art Foundation website and will remain available for a limited period of one month only. Those interested in exploring the full programme are encouraged to secure their passes early to take full advantage of the festival’s offerings.
FAQs
Q. Where can I buy the Early Bird Pass? You can buy the Early Bird Pass online through the Sharjah Art Foundation website.
Q. What does the Early Bird Pass include? It offers unlimited access to all festival films and includes special merchandise.
Q. Do I need to reserve seats for each film? No, seat reservations are optional and can be made at the box office using your pass.
Q. Where will the films be screened? Films will be shown at Mirage City Cinema and other cinemas across Sharjah.
A 10 day celebration of independent and global cinema
The Sharjah Film Platform 2025 is set to unfold at the Mirage City Cinema , a distinctive open-air venue nestled within Sharjah’s historical quarter, along with other participating cinemas across the emirate. Organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation , the festival serves as a cultural cornerstone in the region’s cinematic calendar, spotlighting a broad spectrum of film styles and voices—from emerging regional filmmakers to globally recognised auteurs.
Early bird pass: Full access and added perks
The Early Bird Pass, priced at 40 AED, provides unlimited entry to all film screenings scheduled during the 10-day event. Available for a limited one-month window, this special pass is aimed at both returning festival attendees and newcomers looking to explore the platform's extensive programming.
Each pass comes in the form of a ticket embedded with a barcode and serial number, allowing holders direct access to screenings. While advance reservations for specific films are not mandatory, pass holders can still check in at any festival box office to reserve a seat using the serial number.
In addition to unlimited screening access, festival merchandise is included as part of the Early Bird offer—making it a comprehensive package for those wanting a full festival experience.
What’s on the screen: Featured films at SFP 2025
This year’s programme offers a carefully curated selection of narrative, documentary, and experimental films, reflecting the creative range and global scope of the platform. Highlights include:
1. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024)
- Director: Rungano Nyoni
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- Setting: Zambia
- Accolades: Winner of the Un Certain Regard – Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival
This internationally acclaimed film blends humour and poignancy in a narrative set against Zambian societal dynamics.
2. Universal Language (2024)
- Director: Matthew Rankin
- Style: Absurdist Comedy
- Cinematic Influence: Emulates the visual language of 1970s Iranian New Wave cinema
Set in a surreal fusion of Winnipeg and Tehran, this film interlaces three distinct stories into one imaginative and genre-bending feature.
- Director: Randa Maroufi
- Format: Short Film
- Setting: Jerada, Morocco
- Themes: Industrial decline and memory
- Award: Recipient of the Leitz Cine Discovery Prize at Cannes Film Festival 2025
This poetic work revisits the disappearing mining legacy of Jerada through a richly textured visual and emotional lens.
- Director: Hana Kazim
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- Genre: Drama
- Support: Funded by Sharjah Art Foundation’s Short Film Production Grant
Focusing on themes of trauma and personal loss, this local production contributes an Emirati voice to the international lineup.
A platform for regional and global film voices
Sharjah Film Platform continues to distinguish itself as a hub for independent filmmaking and cross-cultural dialogue, championing films that push boundaries and engage with complex social themes. With its mix of first-time filmmakers and seasoned directors, the festival offers an immersive cinematic experience designed for cinephiles, industry professionals, and the curious public alike.
Early Bird Passes are no on sale through the Sharjah Art Foundation website and will remain available for a limited period of one month only. Those interested in exploring the full programme are encouraged to secure their passes early to take full advantage of the festival’s offerings.
FAQs
Q. Where can I buy the Early Bird Pass? You can buy the Early Bird Pass online through the Sharjah Art Foundation website.
Q. What does the Early Bird Pass include? It offers unlimited access to all festival films and includes special merchandise.
Q. Do I need to reserve seats for each film? No, seat reservations are optional and can be made at the box office using your pass.
Q. Where will the films be screened? Films will be shown at Mirage City Cinema and other cinemas across Sharjah.
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