New Delhi; 03 February 2026: The 12th edition of the Smile International Film Festival for
Children & Youth (SIFFCY), organised by Smile Foundation in partnership with the European
Union Delegation to India and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities,
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, felicitates the award
winners for the 2026 edition. This edition recognises excellence in children’s and youth cinema
from across the world with the theme of Inclusion, Diversity, Accessibility, and Equity.
The International Competition – Feature Film (Best Feature Film) award was presented to I
Accidentally Wrote a Book, directed by Nòra Lakos, a Hungary- Netherlands co-production. The
film also earned the Best Director award for Nòra Lakos, marking a strong showing for
European cinema at SIFFCY 2026.
In acting honours, the Best Actress in the International Competition – Feature Film category
was awarded to Jayashree for her performance in Bird of a Different Feather, directed by
Manohara K., from India.
The Best Story award in the International Competition – Feature Film category went to Stitch
Head, by Steve Hudson, a Germany–Luxembourg production, recognised for its imaginative
narrative and storytelling depth. In the short film segment, the International Competition –
Short Film (Best Short Film) award was presented to Deva Aaj Pan Vhay, directed by Amol
Jalandhar Jadhav from India. The same film also received the Young Jury Award, reflecting its
strong resonance with younger audiences.
The Next Gen Award was conferred on The Lie of the Mountain God, directed by Myers Ma
from Taiwan, highlighting emerging global voices in youth-oriented cinema. Further cementing
its impact at the festival, I Accidentally Wrote a Book also received the CIFEJ Award
(International Centre of Films for Children & Young People) as well as the FCCI Award (Film
Critics Circle of India), making it the most awarded film of SIFFCY 2026. The European
Children’s Film Association (ECFA) Award was presented to Grandpa, Let’s Go!, directed by
Olga Chajdas, a Poland–Czech Republic co-production, recognising its contribution to European
children’s cinema.
Santanu Mishra, Chairman of SIFFCY and Co-founder of Smile Foundation, said, “Each award at
SIFFCY represents a story that respects the intelligence and emotional depth of young
audiences. The diversity of films recognised this year, from across the globe, reaffirms our
belief that meaningful cinema can shape values, empathy and imagination.”
Jitendra Mishra, Festival Director of SIFFCY and President, CIFEJ (2025-27), added, “The jury’s
verdict across all categories reflects a careful evaluation of storytelling, social relevance and
artistic merit. SIFFCY 2026 celebrates films that engage young viewers thoughtfully while
pushing creative boundaries.”
SIFFCY 2026 saw active participation from numerous schools, over 1 lakh young audience,
meaningful filmmakers and enthusiastic international delegates. Alongside screenings, the
festival fostered dialogue on creativity, inclusion and the evolving relationship between young
people and cinema.
About SIFFCY:
SIFFCY (Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth) is an initiative by Smile
Foundation to entertain, engage, educate and empower young minds. It is based on a strong
belief that good cinema represents much more than entertainment; rather this is the most
powerful medium to depict the reality and emulate values. Film becomes an interesting and
engaging alternative to stimulate discussion among young people about vital personal, societal,
moral and world issues. https://siffcy.org/.
