Bhubaneswar: The Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) officially kicked off in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district, on Sunday, with an enthusiastic turnout from young audiences across the tribal regions of the district.
The festival, which runs from April 13 to 15, features an impressive selection of thought-provoking films from around the globe.
Organized by the Smile Foundation’s outreach programme in collaboration with the European Union and several embassy partners, the three-day event is being hosted by the Lakshmi Vikash Group of Institutions.
The grand inauguration of the International Children’s Film Festival 2025 took place at Vikash Wisdom Park, where the event was marked by great enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy.
The opening ceremony saw the esteemed presence of several distinguished global figures, including Jitendra Mishra, the acclaimed filmmaker and Festival Director of SIFFCY, Ana Doborjginidze, Senior Counsellor at the Embassy of Georgia in India, Rasa Ožiūnaitė, First Secretary at the Embassy of Lithuania, Volodymyr Prytula, Second Secretary (Culture, Press & Information) at the Embassy of Ukraine in India, and Shweta Parakh, children’s filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and founder of Purple People Lab.
The festival will feature over 30 films from 15 countries, including a diverse mix of feature films, short films, documentaries, and films made by and for children.
The selected films tackle vital themes such as the environment, friendship, resilience, and empathy, with many award-winning international films on display.
The Lakshmi Vikash Group of Institutions is at the forefront of connecting children in the region to a global platform through innovative educational initiatives. The festival provides intellectual and moral education through carefully curated film screenings designed to engage young minds.
Additionally, numerous children’s film experts will participate in the festival, enhancing children’s skills through various workshops. The Smile Foundation’s initiative has brought this international children’s film festival to Kalahandi for the first time, providing an excellent opportunity for students from schools across the district.
SIFFCY aims to entertain, educate, and empower children by leveraging the power of cinema. The festival underscores the belief that films are not merely a form of entertainment but also a tool for depicting reality and imparting core values. Films, as a medium, spark critical discussions on personal, societal, moral, and global issues among young audiences.
The event was further enriched by captivating dance performances, with students showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Under the leadership of Directors D. Shyam and D. Ram, Academic In-Charge D. Vijaya, and Management Member D. Padmini, the festival promises to be a journey of creativity and cultural exchange for young minds. The festival’s diverse activities include capacity-building workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions tailored for young participants.
As the festival continues through the week, it promises to be a transformative experience—one of creativity, dialogue, and discovery—for the young minds of Odisha.
