Jitendra’s unanimous, unopposed victory marks a rare and significant endorsement from over 50 active members across 40 countries, Rahul Laud reports
Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Jitendra Mishra has been elected President of the UNESCO-backed International Centre of Films for Children and Young People (CIFEJ) for the 2025–2027 term. Jitendra’s unanimous, unopposed victory marks a rare and significant endorsement from over 50 active members across 40 countries.
Jitendra has also been the Festival Director of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY), an initiative of Smile Foundation. SIFFCY promotes the use of meaningful cinema to engage, educate, and inspire young audiences. It focuses on using film as a tool for awareness and social impact.
Established in 1955 under the auspices of UNESCO, CIFEJ is a global organization dedicated to promoting culturally relevant, educational content for children and youth. Jitendra’s re-election reflects his continued efforts to build a stronger global platform for youth-focused cinema.
The elected board members under Jitendra’s leadership include Ms. Pamela Bisson (Canada), Mr. Doros Demetriou (Cyprus), Mr. Huang Jun (China), Mr. Anis Lassoued (Tunisia), Ms. Emma Pendiuc (Romania), Ms. Elham Shrivani (Iran), and Mr. MitsuoTahira (Japan). Additionally, Mr. Vassilis Karamitsanis from Greece has been nominated as Secretary General, while Ms. IreneAndriopoulou, also from Greece, will serve as Executive Director.
Mr. Santanu Mishra, Chairman of SIFFCY, Producer of I Am Kalam, and Co-Founder of Smile Foundation said, “I believe that audio-visual medium, especially good cinema, has the power to stimulate discussion and contemplation in young minds about personal, emotional, societal and moral duties. Thus, it can enable young global citizens to become better, stronger and empathetic individuals. Our support and good wishes are there for CIFEJ to help bring positive societal change that begins with the young minds.”
Secretary General of CIFEJ, Mr. Vassilis Karamitsanis from Greece added, “We aspire for the transfer of the CIFEJ headquarters in Athens, through EKOME, to mark the beginning of a new era for the organization and to strengthen high-quality children’s audio-visual content in Greece as well. The new CIFEJ President and Board do hold great credentials to this direction.”
Jitendra Mishra, said, “This unanimous success is not just a personal achievement but a testament to our shared vision of empowering young minds through meaningful cinema. I am also sincerely thankful to the management of Smile Foundation for their unwavering support and commitment towards this. Together, we will continue to champion films and related activities that inspire, educate, and celebrate cultural diversity for children and youth worldwide”.
Mishra has over 100 films to his credit including The Last Color, Buried Seeds, Desires of the Heart, Human Oak, I Am Kalam, Saint of Brooklyn and Barefoot Empress. He has earned numerous national and international accolades. He is the Festival Director of SIFFCY (Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth), one of India’s premier festivals for young audiences, organized by Smile Foundation in partnership with the European Union this year. Jitendra has also served as a jury member at more than 50 international film festivals and forums.
