A Potpourri of Vestiges Feature
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. Initially established in
Brussels, Belgium, the organization is now headquartered in Athens, Greece,
hosted by the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece S.A.,
under Creative Hub GR.
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.
Mitsuo Tahira (Japan). Additionally, Mr. Vassilis Karamitsanis from Greece has
been nominated as Secretary General, while 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, said, “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”.
About CIFEJ
Founded
in 1955 under the auspices of UNESCO in Brussels, CIFEJ is one of the world's
oldest and largest networks of audio-visual media professionals committed to
creating and promoting content for children and young audiences. The
organization promotes the production of culturally diverse, artistic,
educational, informative, and entertaining films and media for young audience.
Originally established in Brussels, Belgium, CIFEJ moved to Paris after five
years, where it operated for three decades. From 1990 to 2007, its headquarters
were based in Montreal, Canada, and later in Iran, before relocating to Greece,
where it is currently headquartered, hosted by the Hellenic Film and
Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece S.A., under Creative Hub GR.
About Jitendra Mishra:
Jitendra Mishra is
an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, producer, and promoter of meaningful cinema,
recognized for pioneering innovative approaches to film production,
distribution, and promotion worldwide. With 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.
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