LXL Ideas has launched the 7th edition of the School Cinema International Film Festival (SCIFF), running from August 15 to 31, 2024. This year’s festival, the largest of its kind in India, has seen a remarkable surge in participation, with around 3,000 schools in Assam joining the initiative. Nationally, over 30,000 schools, including 25,000 government institutions, are involved, reflecting a significant increase from the previous years.
SCIFF, formerly known as the International Kids Film Festival (IKFF), is designed to transform education through global cinema. With an expected reach of over 8 million students, the festival offers a unique platform for children to WATCH, MAKE, and LEARN from impactful films. The event will showcase more than 80 films in over 15 languages from more than 20 countries, addressing critical themes such as mental health, social justice, environmental awareness, and security.
Founded by Syed Sultan Ahmed, a renowned educationist and filmmaker, SCIFF 2024 is more than just a film festival; it’s a significant educational movement. The festival’s structure includes three main segments: WATCH, which features films submitted by global filmmakers for school screenings; LEARN, offering workshops led by industry experts to teach students filmmaking; and MAKE, recognized as the world’s largest student filmmaking contest, providing a global platform for emerging young filmmakers.
Syed Sultan Ahmed, Founder and Chief Learner at LXL Ideas, highlights the festival’s broader impact: “SCIFF is a catalyst for change. By bringing global cinema to schools, we empower students to dream big, think critically, and become active global citizens. The overwhelming response underscores the need for innovative educational approaches that foster empathy, creativity, and a broader perspective.”
SCIFF 2024 is supported by the state governments of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Assam, further enhancing its national impact. The festival also features films under the ‘Human Security for All’ (HS4A) theme, aligning with Ahmed’s role as a Human Security Ambassador with the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security.
The festival’s jury includes esteemed global experts such as Aya Al-Blouchi from the Ajyal Film Festival in Qatar, Pauline Mazenod from France, Dhimant Vyas from IIT Powai, Isabelle Morin, Nina Sabnani, and Indian actress Sayani Gupta. Their expertise ensures that the festival highlights and recognizes the best films.
SCIFF continues to be a pioneering platform, integrating the transformative power of cinema into the educational experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for global cultures and perspectives.
For more information, visit www.sciff.in.
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