In much of the world, children’s cinema still struggles for recognition, too often dismissed as educational side programming rather than an artistic or commercial force. The Sharjah Intl. Children’s Film Festival , which recently closed its 12th edition (Oct. 6-12), makes a compelling counterargument. The festival has evolved from a regional showcase into a gathering point for a growing international movement, one that sees children not just as viewers, but as participants, critics, and