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Children should dream big and art & culture is essential for inspiration: EU Ambassador, Hervé Delphin
Cultural exchange will bring world peace and harmony: Mishra
New Delhi, April 10: Given the impact of good cinema on young minds, Smile Foundation is considering creation of a SIFFCY Fund to encourage making films specifically for children and youth, says Santanu Mishra, co-founder of Smile Foundation. Mr Mishra is the brain behind SIFFCY and is also its chairman. He informs that various stakeholders have been approaching the organisation in order to create such a fund that could further support and promote good cinema meant for children and youth in the country.
The biggest feature of creativity is that it is not threatened by artificial intelligence and no creative person will be under-appreciated because of AI, Santanu said while inaugurating the 10th edition of the ‘Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth’ (SIFFCY) in New Delhi. Being held in collaboration with the European Union, the festival is being organised across 50 locations in India in a hybrid mode. This makes SIFFCY the largest film festival in India.
The Ambassador of the European Union, H. E. Mr. Hervé Delphin was present at the inauguration of the festival as the chief guest. The European Union and its member countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland are taking the centre-stage as the countries of focus this year. Many other diplomats from the EU member states also graced the inaugural event.
The EU ambassador, Mr. Hervé Delphin, during his address conveyed his satisfaction of being a part of SIFFCY once again and appreciated Smile Foundation for this unique initiative. He further said that children globally should dream big and exchange of inspirations in the form of art and culture remained essential.
The active participation of the European Union in SIFFCY 2024 is aimed at facilitating cultural exchange between the citizens of India and the European Union countries, due to which a sense of understanding, respect and global brotherhood will be strengthened. The sense of belonging that arises between people through the exchange of culture, art and ideas is beneficial for children and youth, who will shape the future course of humanity.
SIFFCY is an initiative of Smile Foundation to entertain, engage, educate and empower young minds. Smile Foundation believes that meaningful work of art, especially good cinema, not only entertains but also leaves an indelible impression on the young minds. As a result, children and youth catalyse a positive change thanks to their way of thinking and their sense of duty towards the society. Good cinema is a powerful medium to depict reality and inculcate values. Meaningful film becomes an interesting and engaging tool to encourage discussion among the youth about important personal, social, moral and global issues too.
Creation and availability of meaningful yet entertaining content tailor-made for young audience becomes more pertinent, considering the unbridled access to a plethora of inappropriate materials.
This year, around 150 curated films from 40 countries are being showcased for the young Indian audience through SIFFCY.
Mr. Santanu Mishra, SIFFCY chairman and producer of the much-acclaimed film ‘I am Kalam’, states that childhood is the decisive age of human life – the lessons we learn, the habits we make as children, it stays with us forever. Therefore, it is important that we sensitise our youngsters with a positive value system from the very beginning which will help them become kind and responsible citizens.
