Lucknow: Inspired by viewing children’s films from 91 countries of the world, students, parents and teachers spoke unanimously in one voice that this International Children’s Film Festival organized at City Montessori School, Kanpur Road auditorium is really unique as it is providing healthy entertainment and imparting good human values leading to character development of the student community. Parents were of the view that everything cannot be learnt from books at home or in school. These educational children’s films give new insight into the world of children and imaginative ways of dealing with situations in life so that children can form their own ideas and principles to take up new challenges. Over 500 children’s films from around 91 countries are being shown free of cost at this Children’s Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the world.
The fifth day of the ICFF-2024 was inaugurated ceremoniously by the Chief Guest, Ashok Sharma, Vice President, Media Solutions, Amar Ujala, New Delhi whereas renowned singer Talat Aziz, Actresses Saadiya Siddiqui and Divya Bhattacharya graced the occasion with their glittering presence. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Chief Guest, Ashok Sharma said that the Film Festival is, in itself, a historic event wherein character building of children is being given utmost importance through the medium of healthy cinema. Actress Saadiya Siddiqui expressed the opinion that the festival is organized on such a massive scale to inculcate the love for good cinema and impart human values to the children for which the school needs to be congratulated. Similarly, Actress Divya Bhattacharya said that educational films are sure to leave a deep impact on the minds of people which will be long lasting. Writer Parthasaarthi Das said that children should read good books and watch educational films. This will provide them with healthy edutainment that is much needed in society today.
Screening of films on the 5th day of ICFF-2024 began with a children’s educational film ‘Childhood’ directed by Ilya Mitrofanov from the Russian Federation. Apart from the main auditorium, seven other mini auditoriums of the CMS Kanpur Road were full of children who enjoyed the films The Weather Within, Taj Ka Dinner, ABC in the Hospital Ward, The Lap of Kindness, Bade Kaam Ki Cheez, A Day of Disability, Water – Star Medicine, Beyond The Street, Space Station Village, The Blue Whale Challenge, God’s Power House, Defender of nature, Angels Never back on Earth, Astha Ka Aadhar Hamara Parivar, Sahi Raah and Pachhtava etc. Films of various languages are being screened with English and Hindi subtitles to make them understood.
The media personnel interacted with the international jury members at a press conference held here today at CMS Kanpur Road Campus. This international jury is highly accomplished and is contributing actively in selecting the best films for cash awards of Rs ten lakh at the conclusion of this film festival. Talking to the press personnel, the jury members said that this festival was a memorable occasion for them. In fact, it is creating a positive impact on the minds of parents, teachers and guardians of children.