Jitendra Mishra Elected President of CIFEJ

Jitendra Mishra, an acclaimed Indian filmmaker and Festival Director of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY), has been unanimously elected as the President of the International Centre of Films for Children and Young People (CIFEJ) for the 2025–2027 term. His election to this prestigious position reflects his commitment to the transformative power of cinema in shaping young minds. CIFEJ, a UNESCO-backed organization, has its headquarters in Athens, Greece, and aims to promote culturally diverse and educational films for children and young audiences worldwide. Under Jitendra’s leadership, the organization plans to continue its mission of offering inspiring, creative, and socially impactful audio-visual content for children and youth.

CIFEJ International Centre of Films for Children and Young People

• A Global Platform for Youth-Centric Cinema
• UNESCO-backed Organization: CIFEJ is supported by UNESCO and headquartered in Athens, Greece.
• Mission: Focuses on promoting films that are educational, culturally diverse, and appropriate for young audiences worldwide.
• Global Reach: Works with filmmakers, educators, and cultural organizations to enrich young minds through the medium of cinema.
• Educational and Social Impact: The organization seeks to use films as a tool to foster values like diversity, creativity, and critical thinking in young viewers.

Jitendra Mishra’s Leadership and Vision

• Term as President: 2025–2027
• Festival Director of SIFFCY: Jitendra Mishra is known for his work as the Director of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY), a leading platform for youth cinema.
• Global Advocacy for Youth Cinema: Mishra’s leadership focuses on leveraging cinema to raise awareness about important social issues and inspire youth on a global scale.
• Promoting Cultural Diversity: Under his presidency, CIFEJ aims to advance a platform for films that celebrate and reflect the diversity of cultures across the world.
• Educational Content: Advocates for the creation and distribution of films that are not just entertaining but also educational, fostering growth and understanding among young viewers.

CIFEJ’s Diverse Board and Global Collaboration

• International Representation: The newly elected CIFEJ board features experts from countries such as Canada, Cyprus, China, Tunisia, Romania, Iran, and Japan, reflecting the global support for Jitendra Mishra’s vision.
• Collaborative Efforts: The diverse representation on the board signals a growing international consensus on the importance of youth-focused, culturally rich cinema.
• Global Network for Youth Cinema: The board’s international composition will strengthen CIFEJ’s mission to provide diverse, quality content for young audiences.

Vision for the Future of CIFEJ Under Mishra’s Leadership

• Youth Empowerment Through Cinema: Jitendra aims to empower young minds by offering them access to thought-provoking and culturally enriching cinema.
• Global Platform for Filmmakers: Plans to expand CIFEJ’s global footprint, offering filmmakers a platform to showcase their work and collaborate with other global talents.
• Film as a Learning Tool: Promotes using cinema not only for entertainment but as a medium for learning, creativity, and social change, engaging young people in meaningful conversations.