Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) unveils 2025 official Selection

The Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY), an initiative of the Smile Foundation in collaboration with the European Union delegation in India, has announced its official selection for the 11th edition of the festival. Scheduled to take place from January 28–30, 2025, the festival will be hosted in a hybrid format, with the primary venue at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi, and screenings at over 100 locations across India, including a secured virtual platform for a wider reach.

A Celebration of Cinema for Young Minds

SIFFCY 2025 promises a vibrant showcase of over 150 films from more than 40 countries, including feature films, short films, animations, and documentaries by professional filmmakers, children, and students. The festival aims to entertain, educate, and empower young audiences while fostering critical thinking and emotional engagement through the medium of cinema.

Santanu Mishra, Chairman of SIFFCY and producer of the critically acclaimed film I Am Kalam, emphasizes the transformative power of cinema. “Childhood is the decisive age of human life. The lessons we learn as children stay with us forever. Good cinema can shape young minds and address challenges like depression, loneliness, and aggression that many children and young adults face today.”
Highlights of the Official Selection
Feature Films in Competition
The festival will showcase an impressive array of international feature films, including:

• Lampo – The Dog Who Travelled by Train (Poland)

• Doubles Match (Taiwan)

• Bigman (The Netherlands)

• Soaring Wings (India)

• The Tiger’s Nest (Italy)

• Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights (Finland/Germany)
Short Films in Competition

Outstanding short films such as Above the Tamarind Tree (Qatar), Skin Color (Colombia), and Ballad of the Mountain (India) will compete for top honors.

Next-Gen Award Nominations

This special category features films made by students, including A Dragon in Name Only (New Zealand) and Rebell (India).
Focus on Poland and Italy

This year, Poland is the Country of Honour, and Italy is the Country of Focus. A curated selection of films from both nations will be presented, celebrating their rich cinematic contributions to children’s and youth cinema.

Jitendra Mishra, SIFFCY Festival Director, states, “We have carefully selected films that represent a diverse range of genres and narratives. Many feature films will have their Indian or world premieres at SIFFCY. We aim to inspire young audiences and broaden their horizons through powerful and meaningful stories.”