Designed as a hybrid festival, SIFFCY 2026 engaged both in-person and virtual audiences. Key events, including the opening and award ceremonies, were held at the PHD House Auditoriums, New Delhi, from January 28 to 31, 2026. Alongside this, screenings and related outreach activities took place throughout the week across multiple locations in India in collaboration with local schools and community partners. A curated selection of films were also available on SIFFCY’s secure, geo-blocked virtual platform, enabling wider national and international participation throughout the week.

FESTIVAL THEME: INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, ACCESSIBILITY & EQUITY

This year, SIFFCY championed the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Accessibility, and Equity, with the support of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The festival celebrates cinema as a transformative medium that nurtures empathy and gives voice to diverse perspectives, while ensuring that every young person—irrespective of ability or background—can access enriching cultural experiences.

In alignment with this theme, a dedicated day featuring multiple workshops and panel discussions was organized to encourage dialogue, awareness, and inclusive engagement. Through powerful films and meaningful conversations, SIFFCY continues its journey toward shaping a more compassionate, inclusive, and equitable future.

FOCUS NETHERLANDS

Each year, SIFFCY spotlights a nation through a dedicated country focus. The 12th edition presented Focus Netherlands, celebrating the best of Dutch cinema for young audiences, curated in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands, New Delhi. This initiative fosters cultural exchange by showcasing stories that reflect shared values, traditions, and creative expression through cinema.

COUNTRY OF HONOR: POLAND

SIFFCY 2026 proudly honoured Poland as the Country of Honor. In collaboration with the Polish Institute, New Delhi, the festival hostd a special Polish Day, featuring multiple Polish films and engaging sessions throughout the week. This ongoing partnership reflects SIFFCY’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties through cinematic dialogue.

CELEBRATING GERMAN, FINNISH AND CZECH CINEMA

Continuing its association with SCHLINGEL International Film Festival, Germany, SIFFCY brings a handpicked selection of German films for Indian audiences. The festival also partners with the Embassy of Finland in India to present a curated showcase of Finnish cinema. And Embassy of the Czech Republic to curate films from the country.

Watch this space for the detailed schedule of the 12^th edition of the festival.

Background

SIFFCY is the flagship initiative of Smile Foundation, one of India’s leading charitable organizations, dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering young minds through meaningful cinema. Alongside film screenings, the festival offers workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses, and interactive sessions. Each year, SIFFCY attracts thousands of filmmakers, professionals, and cinephiles from across the world, with over 50,000 young attendees at physical venues.

In 2026, the festival reached over 500,000 young audiences across 100+ locations in India simultaneously through its week-long festival. The festival showcased 150+ films from 50+ countries and organised 20+ workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions. Over 50 national and international industry professionals from 12 countries participated in person, alongside 90+ young jurors from 9 countries, making the festival truly global in spirit.

(For more information, visit www.smilefoundationindia.org | www.siffcy.org)