Kolkata's International Children film festival goes beyond theatre to reach slum kids

Extending beyond theatres to reach underprivileged children, the 15th edition of the international children’s film festival is also being held in slums and remote schools of eastern Indian state of West Bengal. Organised by child rights body UNICEF and Cine Central, the festival was kicked off at the state-run multiplex Nandan on Friday with the screening of Canadian film ‘Animation Greats’.

They have collaborated with some NGOs who are supporting them in organising film shows for children in municipality schools, NGO centres, urban slum areas, government schools including remote ones in Purulia and Malda. “This is an attempt to reach to all those children who often miss out opportunities to be part of any film festival,” said UNICEF Kolkata representative Shyamnarayan Dave.

According to PTI, selected films from Canada, China, Croatia, Estonia, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, India, Iran, Poland, Russia, The Netherlands and USA are being screened till Wednesday. Cine Central’s general secretary Parimal Mukherjee said children’s films, though are widely celebrated in many countries, have not been given adequate space and forums in India.

“Children’s films are one of the most potential mediums for value education for young audiences all over the world. This festival is an attempt to bridge the gap and showcase films which highlight issues that affect the lives and welfare of the children across the world,” he said.

Films have been selected not only based on their interesting storylines and international cinematographic quality but also for the learnings and messages they convey on significant children’s issues.

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