The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) marks its fourth collaboration with UNICEF, presenting a remarkable cinematic tribute dedicated to the world of childhood. Under the theme "Five Films, One Universal Story," this special showcase brings together films from Kosovo, South Korea, Egypt, and India, each resonating with universal themes of resilience, creativity, and the aspirations of children.
IFFI, South Asia's oldest and most prestigious film festival, collaborates with UNICEF, the global advocate for children's rights, to present films that reflect the challenges, hopes, and inner worlds of children across diverse cultures. This partnership reflects a growing cinematic movement to prioritize children's perspectives, allowing audiences to witness their silent struggles and triumphs with empathy and insight. Whether confronting poverty, war, family strife, or political division, each film showcases how children's courage and creativity shine through adversity.
This Oscar-submitted debut narrates the story of Toha, a young maid in Cairo, determined to host a birthday party for her best friend. It contrasts childhood innocence with social inequality, reflecting UNICEF's core values of dignity and equal opportunity for every child.
A poetic blend of fantasy and realism, this film follows orphaned children dreaming of angels and mermaids while searching for belonging. It celebrates imagination as a survival tool, affirming every child's right to be seen, heard, and cared for.
This emotionally resonant drama depicts a seven-year-old girl caught in her parents' divorce, finding refuge with her friends and grandfather. The film explores child mental health and family fractures, aligning with UNICEF's advocacy for emotional support and safe family environments.
A beetle crossing the border between North and South Korea becomes a symbol of connection in this heartwarming story. Children on both sides of the divide find wonder and friendship, echoing UNICEF's belief in the healing power of empathy and curiosity.
Set in post-war Kosovo, this film follows Lis, an 11-year-old boy grappling with grief who finds hope through a clown troupe. It captures childhood's quiet strength in the aftermath of conflict, resonating with UNICEF's vision of joy, healing, and protection for all children.
The partnership between UNICEF and IFFI highlights cinema's potential as a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness. These five films do more than tell stories; they reflect the diverse realities of children from Cairo to Chennai, Seoul to Kosovo. They encourage reflection on key themes such as equity and inclusion, children's mental health, education, imagination, resilience, and global solidarity through storytelling. Each narrative illustrates that while children may face vastly different environments, their dreams, pain, and laughter speak a universal language.
Founded in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). The 56th edition, running from November 20–28, 2025, in Goa, promises a stunning line-up of world cinema, masterclasses, and industry events, including the vibrant WAVES Film Bazaar.
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