Odisha’s Jitendra Mishra is first Indian on jury panel of prestigious European Children Film Association

Bhubaneswar: Odisha-born film producer, distributor and promoter Jitendra Mishra has been selected to attend the upcoming European Children Film Association (ECFA) this year.

With the new offer and selection, Mishra, who hails from Titlagarh in Balangir district of Odisha and resides in Delhi, is the first Indian to be on the jury panel at the 23^rd Schlingel International Film Festival, scheduled from 1 to 7 October in Chemnitz city of Germany.

Jitendra is one of the few Indian film producers & promoters who are committed to the cause of ‘Alternative method of Film Production, Distribution & Promotion’ at an international level. He has been instrumental in the production, distribution and promotion of more than 110 films in all categories, many of which have got worldwide acclamation and recognition, namely I am Kalam and Desires of the Heart.

His current production, The Last Color directed by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna is all set for world release soon; the first look of the film was launched during the official event of prestigious Cannes Film festival this year. He has is also the festival director of the film festival ‘SIFFCY’ (Smile Int’l FF for Children & Youth).

“I feel honored that, this is my fifth international jury invitation this year and I have been privileged enough to watch handpicked world cinema made for young audience and this will ultimately help me curate the best ones for our own festival SIFFCY in December. Moreover, it gives me opportunities to learn and exchange ideas and practices of cinema among the global industry leaders and implement them in our endeavours. Schlingel is one of the most credible festivals in its category and I am excited to attend it this year”, he said.

Apart from producing motion pictures, ad and corporate films, his company provides services such as distribution tie-ups, marketing and promotion, to name a few. He has been a jury member at many international film festivals like MICE Film Festival, Tel Aviv International, Coppenhagen Junior, Brussels International and International Children’s Film Festival of India. For him, film festivals are a platform to engage with all kinds of people from the world of cinema.

He has been honoured with Young Jury award at International Film Festival India (IFFI) held in Goa. He has also received the awards including Future of India from Bollywood Entertainment Trade and Sun of Odisha award from New Delhi-based Odia Pua organisation.