CIFEJ Symposium “Storytelling through Kids & Media”, held in Greece.

May 8, 2025 :—The International Centre of Films for Children and Young People (CIFEJ) held its international symposium at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Athens, Greece, on May 5, last. The symposium, titled CIFEJ: “Storytelling through Kids & Media: Audience Development Across Regional, National and Cultural Borders for Future Generations,” marked the official launch of the International Centre of Films for Children and Young People (CIFEJ) operations in Athens. It was Hosted by the Hellenic Film & Audio-visual Center—Creative Greece, in collaboration with CIFEJ and supported by the Ministry of Culture and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Greece. Indian filmmaker , Jitendra Mishra made history as the first speaker from India at the symposium “As the elected president of the International Centre of Films for Children and Young People—CIFEJ, it was a privilege to deliver a speech at the prestigious European Parliament Liaison Office in Athens, says Jitendra Mishra. ” I’m reminded that language has never been the real barrier—it is the power and intent of the message that counts. It’s not about how you say it, it’s about what you say.”Mishra,says further. The symposium featured contributions from international speakers and long-standing institutions, including the CIFEJ Board of Directors, UNESCO (which initiated CIFEJ in 1955), and the European Children’s Film Association (ECFA). Discussions focused on Greece’s role in CIFEJ’s global activities, international collaboration, and the future challenges and opportunities in children’s and youth audio-visual content. 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 re-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 by the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece S.A., under Creative Hub GR.  Jitendra Mishra is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, producer, and promoter of meaningful cinema, 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. He is the Festival Director of SIFFCY (Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth), one of India’s premier festivals for young audiences, organized by Smile Foundation in partnership with the European Union this year. Jitendra has also served as a jury member at more than 50 international film festivals and forums.

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