New Delhi: The first edition of the National Children's Film Festival began here today on children's day with a glittering ceremony attended by acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal, actress Dia Mirza and tennis star Sania Mirza.
The three-day event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Finance and Information and Broadcasting, Arun Jaitley.
Dia, 32, who made her first public appearance in the capital after her wedding last month, said she was honoured to be invited to open the film festival.
"I have hosted the 16th edition of the International Children's Film Festival in my home town Hyderabad. Since my school days I used to be a part of that fest. When I was invited for the National Children's Film Festival here I immediately said yes," said Dia, who had an interactive session with kids on stage.
"I realised in my childhood that sound, light and image can convey love, emotion and thought. I feel that films can inspire and influence children in a very positive way," the actress-turned-producer said.
Benegal, a Multiple National award-winning filmmaker, said that more films directed by children should be promoted and made available to the audience.
"It is important that films should be made for children but we must also try and get children to make films. When adults make films for children they can get a bit patronising in their tone. So hopefully this festival will open doors for young filmmakers," Benegal said.
Sania said that she has been a film buff since her childhoodand has learnt a lot from watching movies.
"I am very nostalgic today to attend this event as it reminds me of my childhood. I love films and I think they are instrumental in shaping a child's mind," the tennis ace said.
TV actress Sakshi Tanwar said that she is lucky to have had a computer-free childhood and feels bad that children today don't indulge in outdoor activities at all.
The opening ceremony began with a musical act by school children, who sang 'Vande Mataram' and a patriotic performance by Prince Dance Group.
The inauguration was followed by the screening of Seemaa Desai's 'Pappu Ki Pugdundi', which stars Hardik Khanna as Pappu, Atul Parchure as Genie and Amitabh Bhattacharya and Jaswinder Gardner as Pappu's parents.
The fest, organised by Children's Film Society India (CFSI), aims to provide value based entertainment to children through the powerful medium of films.
The festival will screen a score of unreleased films like 'Shortcut Safari' which will be premiered for the first time, 'The Goal', 'Mahek Mirza', 'Ek Ajooba', 'Kummati', 'Krish Trish' and 'Baltiboy-3'.
"The films have been carefully handpicked to create an opportunity for children to experience qualitative content made exclusively for them. Some of these films have won several awards globally," said Shravan Kumar CEO, CFSI.
The Festival would consist of competition in schools based on the theme of the festival & other topics, film screenings, workshops & Kids Mela at Siri Fort, Khel Gaon.
Taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, the organisers have chosen cleanliness as the theme of the festival.
National Children's Film Festival, will be organized every alternate year.
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