Emmy-nominated Indo-American filmmaker Tirlok Malik was among the distinguished panelists at the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) 2025, an initiative of Smile Foundation in collaboration with the European Union. The discussion, titled “The Cinematic Bridges: Fostering India-Global Collaboration and Opportunities in Cinema”, took place at Siri Fort Auditorium. SIFFCY’s Festival Director, Jitendra Mishra, remains committed to fostering lasting global partnerships in cinema.
The panel brought together key figures from the international film industry, including Andrea Anastasio (Director, Italian Embassy Cultural Centre), Stephan Ottenbruch (Festival Director, IndoGerman Film Week), Ketki Parikh (Co-Founder, Chicago South Asian Film Festival), and Lichtkoppler Elisabeth (Director, Vienna International Children’s Film Festival). Renowned Indian film critic and journalist Murtaza Ali Khan moderated the discussion.
Reflecting on the evolving film industry and India’s growing role in global cinema, Tirlok Malik emphasized the importance of high-quality, universal storytelling in breaking cultural and geographical barriers. He shared insights from his journey, recalling how his 1990s debut film Lonely in America entered a vastly different cinematic landscape. He noted that digital platforms have revolutionized the industry, creating new opportunities for filmmakers to connect with global audiences.
Malik underscored the need for compelling storytelling in an era dominated by streaming services, stating, “Technology and distribution methods may change, but emotions remain constant. A well-told story will always find its audience.”
The panel delved into the expanding scope of international co-productions, with India emerging as an attractive market for global filmmakers. Stephan Ottenbruch highlighted the growing presence of Indian films in European festivals, noting an increasing demand for Indian narratives worldwide.
Ketki Parikh emphasized the opportunities for Indian filmmakers in the U.S., explaining that festivals like the Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSFF) play a vital role in bringing South Asian stories to mainstream audiences.
Lichtkoppler Elisabeth spoke about the significance of children’s cinema in fostering global empathy, recognizing India’s rich storytelling tradition as a valuable contributor to this genre.
The discussion also addressed the challenge of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. Malik noted that while funding remains a concern for independent filmmakers, success lies in crafting content that is both creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable. He praised SIFFCY for providing a platform where emerging filmmakers can showcase their work and connect with global audiences.
Adding to the conversation, Andrea Anastasio outlined the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre’s film initiatives, including the Marcello Mastroianni centenary celebrations and the upcoming screening of the restored Apu Trilogy at the 2025 Habitat International Film Festival. He also highlighted the importance of co-production treaties in fostering international collaboration.
Expressing gratitude to SIFFCY, Malik stated, “Forums like SIFFCY are instrumental in shaping the future of cinema by bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and young audiences. It’s an honor to contribute to this meaningful conversation.”
The panel concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing aspiring filmmakers and students to engage with the speakers. The discussion reinforced the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage while celebrating storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural exchange.
As cinema continues to evolve, discussions like those at SIFFCY reaffirm its role in strengthening cross-border collaborations and expanding creative horizons.
