Odisha born, internationally acclaimed filmmaker, promoter, curator and festival director of Smile Foundations’ Smile International Film Festival -SIFFCY has been honoured with the Indian Institute of Photography -IIP Award for Excellence in Visual Storytelling in New Delhi yesterday.
The Indian Institute of Photography (IIP) is a trendsetter in photography education, transforming passionate photographers into industry leaders through practice-based, theoretically influenced, and culturally enriched learning. Founded by visionary artist and entrepreneur Rajesh Goyal, an alumnus of the Government College of Arts, Chandigarh, IIP has revolutionized photography education by offering dynamic, immersive, and industry-driven programs. With over 30 years of experience, Rajesh Goyal and Shailesh Goyal, the driving forces behind IIP, have created a phenomenal impact on photography learning in India. IIP Academy has made professional photography education accessible to ardent photographers through its hybrid, online, and offline programs, ensuring that students worldwide receive world-class training. With 100% placement records, a globally recognized pedagogy, and an emphasis on practical training, IIP continues to shape the future of photography.
A champion of meaningful cinema, Jitendra Mishra is a renowned filmmaker, producer, and festival director whose work has transformed how children and youth engage with cinema. As the Festival Director of the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY), he has built a global platform for Smile Foundation that showcase over hundreds of socially relevant films from across the world, host multiple free capacity building workshops and interactive sessions, and nurtures above one million young creative minds each year. His critically acclaimed films, including The Last Color, Human OAK, Desires of the Heart, Buried Seed, and I Am Kalam, reflect his dedication to using cinema as a catalyst for social change and empowerment.
Recognizing his unwavering dedication to impactful storytelling, the Indian Institute of Photography has honoured Jitendra Mishra for his contributions to children’s and youth cinema. This award celebrates his pioneering efforts in promoting socially responsible filmmaking and inspiring the next generation of visual artists. As IIP continues to lead photography education in India, such collaborations reinforce its mission of cultivating artistic excellence and global creative exchange.
