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UNESCO-Backed CIFEJ Elects Indian Filmmaker Jitendra Mishra as President

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Published on April 9, 2026

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 served as the Festival Director of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY), an initiative of the Smile Foundation. SIFFCY promotes the use of meaningful cinema to engage, educate, and inspire young audiences, focusing 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 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 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, expressed, “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 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.”

Founded in 1955 under the auspices of UNESCO, 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 audiences. Originally established in Brussels, Belgium, CIFEJ moved to Paris after five years and operated there for three decades. From 1990 to 2007, its headquarters were based in Montreal, Canada, later moving to Iran, and now located in Greece.

Jitendra Mishra is 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. As the Festival Director of SIFFCY, one of India’s premier festivals for young audiences, he works in partnership with organizations like the European Union and has served as a jury member at more than 50 international film festivals and forums.

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