New Delhi; Feb 02: 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.
