In its milestone 10th edition, the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) is set to showcase a vibrant array of films from around the world. Hosted by Smile Foundation in partnership with the European Union, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the power of cinema to inspire positive change.
From April 9th to 11th, the PHD House in New Delhi will serve as the hub for SIFFCY’s main celebrations, including the opening and award ceremonies. However, the festival’s reach extends far beyond the capital, with screenings scheduled at 50 different locations across India simultaneously. This hybrid model makes SIFFCY the largest and most expansive film festival in the country, offering young audiences nationwide access to a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences.
SIFFCY 2024 is set to shine a spotlight on the European Union and its member countries, with Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland taking center stage as this year’s focus nations. The festival boasts a diverse lineup of films spanning various categories, including the International Competition featuring both feature-length and short films. Additionally, the 70MM Smile segment will showcase a world panorama of feature and non-feature films, while the Yellow Carpet segment will celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Indian regional cinema.
One of the festival’s standout features is its dedication to amplifying the voices of young filmmakers. Films made by children will be showcased in the Take One category, offering a platform for budding talent to share their stories with a global audience. Moreover, the Extra Smiles segment brings together the best of SIFFCY from previous editions, along with classic animations from Poland curated by acclaimed film personality Mr. Jerzy Moszkowicz.
Santanu Mishra, Chairman of SIFFCY and Co-founder & Executive Trustee of Smile Foundation, emphasizes the transformative power of cinema in shaping young minds and fostering positive societal change. He states, “I believe that good cinema is one of the most powerful media to depict reality and to emulate values. Good cinema has the power to stimulate discussion and contemplation in young minds about personal, emotional, societal and moral duties, thereby enabling them to become better and stronger individuals.”
Jitendra Mishra, Festival Director of SIFFCY, echoes this sentiment, highlighting SIFFCY’s mission to entertain, engage, educate, and empower young minds. He says, “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary edition of the festival, this year we are trying to reach out to a larger young audience in multiple locations across the country and spread extra smiles. We are going to screen 150 films from 40 countries, besides hosting ten different types of film-related interactive sessions and capacity building workshops for children and youth free of cost.”
Reflecting on SIFFCY’s evolution over the past decade, Jitendra Mishra traces its roots back to the success of Smile Foundation’s film ‘I am Kalam’ in 2010. He explains, “Essentially, it was an extension of Dr. Kalam’s dream of ‘Igniting the Young Minds’. The movie got an overwhelming response, and went on to inspire millions not just in India, but across the world.”
Over the years, SIFFCY has grown into a global platform for showcasing world cinema and empowering young filmmakers. With over 1,100 films from 95 countries showcased in its previous editions, the festival has touched the lives of over a million Indian children, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their passions.
Partnerships play a crucial role in shaping SIFFCY’s programming and reach, with collaborations with the European Union enhancing the festival’s cultural exchange and artistic diversity. Jitendra Mishra emphasizes, “Our association grew more meaningful in the form of the collaboration for the 10th edition of SIFFCY. Here also the EU collaboration is helping the Indian kids opening the window to the good cinema of the EU region.”
He further explains, “As Dr. Kalam’s ideas, his life and philosophy continue to inspire Smile Foundation, with SIFFCY we intend to continue with his mission of reaching out to as many children and youth as possible, and sow the seeds of change – of being better human beings, of being good citizens, in their minds and hearts. All through the creative audio-visual medium, making way for films of substance that can engage and inspire young minds across the globe.”
The integration of technology has played a pivotal role in expanding SIFFCY’s reach and impact. Jitendra Mishra notes, “Integration of technology has gradually helped us screen multiple films simultaneously across hundreds of locations, schools and cities, in addition to the main festival venues.” Through these efforts, SIFFCY has showcased over 1,100 world cinema selections from 95 countries in its last nine editions, benefit.
Looking ahead, SIFFCY remains committed to its mission of entertaining, engaging, and empowering young minds through the transformative power of cinema. As it enters its second decade, the festival continues to inspire the next generation of storytellers, changemakers, and global citizens. The festival stands as a testament to the enduring impact of cinema in shaping hearts, minds, and societies. Through its diverse lineup of films, workshops, and interactive sessions, SIFFCY 2024 seeks to spark conversations, ignite imaginations, and sow the seeds of positive change in the world.