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Filmmaker Jitendra Mishra takes the global stage with CIFEJ presidency win
MUMBAI: Forget red carpets and film festival fanfare – this win’s about kids, culture, and a camera roll full of global vision. Indian filmmaker and flagbearer of meaningful cinema Jitendra Mishra has just snagged the big seat as International Centre of Films for Children and Young People (CIFEJ) president, and he didn’t need a vote-off to do it. His unopposed, unanimous election was a rare feat, backed by over 50 members across 40 countries. Yes, that many.
The UNESCO-supported body, which has been promoting culturally relevant children’s cinema since 1955, now has a fresh Indian face at its helm – someone who’s walked the walk with Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY). As SIFFCY festival director and long-time cinema-for-change crusader, Mishra’s latest role is no accident.
It’s a perfect reel-to-real story.
“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,” said Mishra.
CIFEJ, born in Brussels and now headquartered in Athens, Greece, isn’t just a symbolic outfit. It’s a full-throttle platform pushing for top-notch audio-visual content that speaks to, with and for young people. And with Smile Foundation backing and cultural clout on his side, Mishra is expected to turn that volume way up.
Backing the sentiment, SIFFCY chair & producer of I Am Kalam, Santanu Mishra added, “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.”
The newly elected board reads like a film festival guest list: Pamela Bisson (Canada), Doros Demetriou (Cyprus), Huang Jun (China), Anis Lassoued (Tunisia), Emma Pendiuc (Romania), Elham Shrivani (Iran), and Mitsuo Tahira (Japan). Greek representatives Vassilis Karamitsanis and Irene Andriopoulou will serve as secretary general and executive director respectively.
“We aspire for the transfer of the CIFEJ headquarters in Athens, through EKOME, to mark the beginning of a new era for the organisation 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,” said Karamitsanis.
So, while Mishra sharpens his vision for youth-driven global storytelling, the message is clear: popcorn isn’t the only thing worth warming up. The future of cinema is in the hands of young minds—and the man leading the charge is ready to roll.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
