The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that Hyderabad may become a permanent venue to conduct International children’s film festival. Shri Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore observed this at the inaugural function of 19th International Children’s Film Festival of India at Shilpa Kala Vedika in Hyderabad on Saturday.He said India has highly talented children and they should use their talent and exhibit it to the world at large. He called upon children to make short films through cell phones and upload the same on internet to showcase the talent to the world. Stating that India is a land of creativity and story telling, Shri Rathore wished the festival a grand success.
Secretary, Ministry of I & B Shri Sunil Arora said Children Film Society of India was started soon after Independence to harness the medium of cinema for the cause of children. He said CFSI would provide wholesome entertainment for children. Narrating the events in the history of CFSI since its inception, Shri Sunil Arora said the unique feature of 19th edition festival is that around 1200 entries came for the festival. He said the festivals would give opportunity to kids to become film makers. He further said that Little Directors section which was started in the previous edition become international, which is an achievement in itself. A total of 200-entries under this section from 7-different countries. 70 films have been selected for the screening he added. The French film ‘Ernest et Celestine’ which won Golden Elephant Award in the 18th edition of ICFFI was also nominated for Oscar award. He wished that many more movies, premiered in this edition of ICFFI should also get similar recognition.
Chairperson of Children’s Film Festival of India Shri Mukesh Khanna while welcoming the child artists and delegates, who came for the festival said that participation by so many countries in the festival was a great moment. He said Indian mythological texts spoke about “vasudaiva kutumbikam’ which mean’”the world is one family” and such events proved the saying. Minster of Commercial taxes and Cinematography of Telangana Government, Shri Talasani Srinivas Yadav said that the State Government made all arrangements for the successful conduct of festival. He said that the State Government took the event as a challenge and ensured proper arrangements for the festival. Film Personalities Ms Tabu, Ms Kareena Kapoor and her sibling Ms Karishma Kapoor participated in the function. Union Minister of State for I&B Shri Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore formally inaugurated the festival by lighting the lamp. He was joined by other guests. A series of cultural programmes were organised to enthrall the audience. The dance performance by India’s Most Talented kid Mr Akshat was highlight of the event which kept the audience mainly children foot tapping. Also the Illuminati art show by a troupe on “Digital India” and sand art by Mr Hari Krishna received applause from the audience.