SIFFCY FilmFestival

27/07/2026

Building Critical Thinkers Through Programme, Empowering Young Voices Through Media and Information Literacy

At the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) , we believe that young people should not only watch films, they should also have the opportunity to evaluate, discuss and celebrate them.

The Young Jury Programme is one of our most meaningful initiatives, empowering children and young people to become active participants in the festival rather than passive audiences.

Carefully selected young jurors from diverse backgrounds watch films from around the world, engage in thoughtful discussions, and assess them based on storytelling, creativity, relevance, emotional impact and authenticity. Their perspectives often differ from those of adults, offering fresh, honest and insightful reflections on cinema made for young audiences.

For more details logon to www.siffcy.org Email [email protected]

[ Smile Foundation Delegation of the European Union to India Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Santanu Mishra Jitendra Mishra Sanjeev Dham National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) UNESCO CIFEJ Co. SIFFCY Film Festival, India ]

15/07/2026

Save the Date! 🎬

The countdown begins for the biggest celebration of Good Cinema.
The 13th edition of SIFFCY – Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth, India returns with stories that inspire, films that educate, and cinema that connects people across cultures, generations, and borders.

Hosted by Smile Foundation smilefoundation in partnership with the European Union EU in India , SIFFCY is more than a film festival, it is a movement that celebrates creativity, empathy, inclusion, and the transformative power of storytelling. It also champions Media and Information Literacy (MIL), empowering children and young people to think critically, engage responsibly with media, and become informed, compassionate global citizens.

Join us in celebrating cinema that inspires, educates, and creates positive change. Save the date and be part of a festival where every frame inspires, every story matters, and every young dream finds wings.

Watch this space for more updates, log on to www.siffcy.org | Email : [email protected]



[Films For Children Youth Cinema Storytelling Cinema For Change Smile Foundation European Union]

24/05/2026

Yes experiences the iconic “Cinema de la Plage” at the 79th Film Festival. “Cinema de la Plage” is the open-air screening venue on the beach in Cannes where audiences watch classic and special films by the sea at night. The beach screening atmosphere, sea lights, and giant screen really reflect the magic of Cannes nights.

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19/05/2026

Discussion is the first step to understanding, and understanding is the first step towards stronger international collaboration and lasting alliances.

A meaningful discussion on upliftment of Audiovisual content for global young audiences between Jitendra Mishra, President of CIFEJ and Festival Director of SIFFCY, India, and Ms Athena Kartalou at the Greek Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival.

18/05/2026

79th Cannes Film Festival 🎥
At Cannes, continues to shine through the smiles it inspires 😊

02/03/2026

Finally, the SIFFCY Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 trophy has reached the most deserving Mama Athina Rikaki, Greece on her 89th birthday.

The honour was announced during the 12th SIFFCY, and graciously received on her behalf by Mr. Vassilis Karamitsanis during the ceremony in Delhi, India, last month.

Heartiest wishes to Mama Athina Rikaki on her 89th birthday — a true torchbearer of children’s cinema, whose lifelong dedication continues to inspire generations across the world. 🌸🎬
May her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment to young audiences keep guiding us always. 🎂🎁🎊

09/02/2026

05/02/2026

CIFEJ at SIFFCY 2026: celebrating cinema, dialogue, and inclusion. 🎬🌍

CIFEJ was proud to be part of the 12th Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY 2026), contributing to meaningful conversations and celebrating excellence in children’s cinema.

✨ Highlights include:
• The Lifetime Achievement Award honouring Athina Rikaki, Honorary Member of CIFEJ
• Vassilis C. Karamitsanis, Secretary General of CIFEJ, serving on the Next Gen Award Jury
• The CIFEJ Award presented to I Accidentally Wrote a Book by Nóra Lakos
• CIFEJ Days Panel: Inclusive Futures – Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable & Accessible Creative Future for Young People, led by media expert Geert Neckebroeck

05/02/2026