Cifej Information

CIFEJ the Centre Internationale de Film Pour L'Enfance et Jeunesse has been in existence for 55 years, and was based in Canada for decades before moving to Tehran. The goals of this prestigious and respected organization are to assure the continued production of high quality films for children and to fully realize the potential of film to facilitate cross-cultural understanding. More than 100 festivals are members of CIFEJ and it was a real honor to be a part of the CIFEJ jury this year with my colleagues Jacques Bernard from Rimouski, Canada and Philippe Faconnier from the island of Reunion. We were lucky to have ten marvelous films to consider, and the choice was not an easy one to make. From urban Denmark to rural Turkey, from South Africa to Suriname, each film had special qualities to recommend it. But the CIFEJ prize has to bridge two equally important concerns-first it must go to a film of high artistic and technical quality. Second, the film must demonstrate a genuine respect for the dignity and rights of all children, while reflecting the diversity of cultural expression. With these two themes in mind, the CIFEJ Jury selected a film that addresses the unique challenges faced by African children and families as a result of the AIDS pandemic. Mindful of human dignity, the film shows the strain on the family unit and the remarkable survival strategies that young people must implement when a family member contracts the HIV virus. Ending on a resounding note of personal courage and hope, the film puts a relatable, human face on this tragedy encouraging our respect, our compassion and our involvement.