Guv inaugurates International Children's Film Festival at Nandan I

Governor K N Tripathi on Thursday inaugurated the 17th International Children's Film Festival at Nandan I. This festival, organised by Cine Central Calcutta in collaboration with UNICEF and Talash Society is one of the very few film festivals across the country which is entirely dedicated to children.

The Governor said: "While Indian cinema has crossed its glorious Centenary, only a handful of children films are produced in the country. There is not a single cinema hall in the country where throughout the year children's films are screened. Today our children are watching Cartoons on TV channels but most of them are foreign-made. He urged upon the producers and directors to make children's films based on our Classic Panchatantra, Jatak Katha, mythology and folklore."

Select films from 18 countries (France, Denmark, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Bangladesh, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Turkey, Uruguay, Vietnam and USA will be screened at the festival.

Films have been selected not only based on their interesting storylines and international cinematographic quality but also for the teachings and messages they convey on children's issues. This year, the theme of this film festival is "For Every Child" highlighting the need for equal opportunities for all children. The film festival was started off with the screening of the National award winning Children's Film, Dhanak. Director Nagesh Kukunoor was also present at the inauguration event to present the film.

This year, UNICEF and Cine Central have collaborated with Talash Society which is a not-for-profit organisation is working on child rights issues, to take this festival beyond Nandan and have extended this campaign to Malda district.

The festival promises to be an exciting experience for children with some of the most popular films being lined up for screening. The film festival will be open to all children from August 1 to 4, 2017, at Nandan II and there will be two evening shows starting from 3 pm and 5 pm respectively.