The 2026 UAE Student Film Festival

This year, the 2026 UAE Student Film Festival reached a new milestone as it was hosted at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi — our most prestigious venue to date. The event showcased the creativity, technical skill, and storytelling talent of student filmmakers from grades 9–12 at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi.

With more than 105 films submitted across a wide range of genres and categories, the festival celebrated excellence in directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, sound design, animation, documentary filmmaking, acting, and visual effects. From powerful dramas and thought-provoking documentaries to innovative experimental films and high-energy comedies, students demonstrated both artistic vision and professional-level filmmaking skills.

The UAE Student Film Festival continues to provide young filmmakers with an authentic platform to share their voices, collaborate creatively, and experience the excitement of presenting their work on the big screen. This year’s festival was not only a celebration of film, but also a celebration of student passion, dedication, and the future of storytelling in the UAE.

Once again, congratulations to all of the participants this year!

• Outstanding Drama - Joya Youness, Luka Taylor, Abay Sultanbek, Joshua Mansfield, Paolo Molinari

• Outstanding PSA/Documentary - Rasha Haykal

• Outstanding Comedy - Laith Halaseh, Khalifa Al Mubarak

• Outstanding Thriller/Horror - Khalifa Al Mubarek, Laith Halaseh

• Outstanding Music Video/Video Art - Aya Shibel

• Outstanding Action/Sci-Fi - Isla Souster

• Outstanding Screenwriting - Paolo Molinari

• Outstanding Director - Amelia Chohan, Alisah Engineer

• Outstanding Cinematography - Sara Elramahi

• Outstanding Editing - Abay Sultanbek

• Outstanding Sound - William Andberg