New Delhi hosted the 12th edition of the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY 2026) from 28 January to 3 February 2026, bringing together filmmakers, educators, cultural institutions, and young audiences. Organised by Smile Foundation in partnership with the European Union Delegation to India, and supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the festival reaffirmed its commitment to meaningful, socially engaged cinema.

The 2026 edition of SIFFCY was centred on the theme Inclusion, Diversity, Accessibility, and Equity, celebrating films that encourage empathy, curiosity, and dialogue among children and youth. A key highlight of this year’s festival was the strong and multifaceted presence of Poland, showcased through films, industry participation, and youth engagement initiatives.

In collaboration with the Polish Institute, New Delhi, SIFFCY dedicated a special Poland Day, spotlighting the richness of Polish cinema for young audiences and emphasising shared values of cultural exchange and international collaboration. The programme underscored Poland’s growing contribution to global children’s and youth cinema.

A delegation of five Polish film professionals — Marta Kraus, Marta Jodko, Bartosz Bieniek, Olga Chajdas, and Małgorzata Małysa — participated in the festival as jury members, panelists, and filmmakers. Their involvement facilitated dynamic interactions with Indian and international filmmakers, students, and cultural representatives, strengthening professional and creative connections.

The Polish Institute, New Delhi, also co-hosted an Industry Networking Breakfast, which brought together filmmakers, cultural organisations, and industry stakeholders.

Poland’s engagement extended to thought leadership discussions at the festival. A special panel titled “Inclusive Frames: Disability, Youth & the Power of Cinema” featured Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director of the Polish Institute, New Delhi, alongside representatives from UNESCO, IFFI Goa–NFDC, and CIFEJ, Greece. The discussion examined how cinema can amplify inclusive narratives and empower young audiences.

Further strengthening Poland’s presence, Marta Kraus and Marta Jodko served as jury members for the International Feature Film Competition and the CIFEJ Award respectively, and also contributed to discussions as part of the SIFFCY Knowledge Series.

Polish cinema was prominently featured in the festival’s screenings, with two feature films and eleven short films presented to audiences. The festival opened with the Polish–Czech co-production Grandpa, Let’s Go!, directed by Olga Chajdas, which went on to receive the prestigious European Children’s Film Association (ECFA) Award, recognising its outstanding contribution to European children’s cinema. The award ceremony concluded with a screening of The Treasurer and the Secret of the Magic Silverpiece, directed by Tomasz Jurkiewicz.

Youth participation remained central to SIFFCY’s ethos. Representing Poland, Jan Polanski and Arnav Antoni Dhingra joined the SIFFCY Young Jury Programme, offering fresh and youthful perspectives in the evaluation of films.