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. His unanimous, unopposed election marks a significant endorsement from over 50 active members across 40 countries.
Jitendra Mishra has also served as the Festival Director of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY), an initiative of Smile Foundation. SIFFCY uses meaningful cinema to engage, educate, and inspire young audiences, focusing on films as a tool for awareness and social impact.
CIFEJ, established in 1955 under UNESCO’s auspices, promotes culturally relevant and educational content for children and youth worldwide. Initially based in Brussels, Belgium, the organisation is now headquartered in Athens, Greece, hosted by the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece S.A., under Creative Hub GR.
Mishra's re-election underscores his ongoing efforts to strengthen the global platform for youth-focused cinema. The newly elected board members under his 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. Mitsuo Tahira (Japan). Mr. Vassilis Karamitsanis of Greece has been nominated as Secretary General, and Ms. Irene Andriopoulou, 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, reflecting on his election, stated, “I am deeply honoured and grateful for the trust and support of my fellow members at CIFEJ. 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.”
