
Bengaluru, 27 November 2025: VIBGYOR Schools successfully concluded the 8th edition of the School Cinema International Film Festival (SCIFF) 2025, which ran from 14 to 30 November across 22 campuses, including Chokkanahalli, Hennur, Yelahanka, Electronic City and Doddanekkundi. The festival once again underscored the role of cinema as a dynamic medium for creativity, cultural exchange and experiential learning.
The inauguration ceremonies were marked by the presence of distinguished guests, Dr. Shruthi Gowda and Amrutha Naidu, who engaged with students and teachers, sharing insights from their artistic journeys. Their interaction encouraged students to view cinema not just as entertainment but as a medium that offers a deeper understanding of life and the world around them. The opening also featured lively student performances, followed by initial screenings from the international line-up.
Organised in partnership with the LXL Foundation, SCIFF 2025 presented a curated showcase of more than 100 children’s films from 25 countries, spanning over 20 Indian and international languages. The festival featured an eclectic mix of animation, live-action and documentaries, alongside short films created by students through the School Cinema programme.
Screenings were segmented into four age brackets — below 7, 7+, 10+ and 13+ years — ensuring that each child experienced stories appropriate to their learning stage. Films for students up to Grade 5 were screened in English or in non-verbal formats, while those for Grade 6 and above were shown in their original languages with English subtitles, fostering cultural sensitivity and global awareness.
Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Kavita Kerawalla, Vice Chairperson of VIBGYOR Group of Schools, said,
“True education must stimulate the mind while nurturing empathy, curiosity and creativity. Our association with the LXL Foundation strengthens this approach by giving students opportunities to explore diverse perspectives and connect with powerful stories. SCIFF reflects our commitment to holistic learning and aligns with the NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating film and media into the educational experience.”
Sharing his thoughts, Syed Sultan Ahmed, Managing Director of LXL Ideas, noted,
“SCIFF has always aimed to make learning meaningful and enjoyable through cinema. As pioneers in film pedagogy, we believe films are transformative tools that spark curiosity and build emotional intelligence. This festival helps children engage with new cultures, languages and stories — all essential components of holistic development.”
SCIFF 2025 further expanded its reach with support from renowned global film festivals such as Annecy (France), AniMela (India), Giffoni (Italy) and ZERO PLUS (Russia). This year’s edition is set to reach over 40,000 government schools and 1,000 private schools across India, bringing films from countries including France, Spain, Germany, the UAE, Russia and Kyrgyzstan to young viewers nationwide.
As the festival drew to a close across VIBGYOR’s campuses, students were left with a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling. The screenings and interactions turned school spaces into lively hubs of reflection and creative dialogue, allowing children to engage with ideas that stretch far beyond the classroom.
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City Today News 9341997936
