Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) Vice Chancellor Professor Nand Kumar Yadav ‘Indu’ on Monday stressed on promoting film studies in Bihar-Jharkhand by encouraging university students for critical appreciation of children-oriented films. He stated support of State and Union Governments was needed to boost up children films within this region.
Speaking during the inaugural ceremony of two day Jharkhand Children’s Film Festival at the CUJ Brambe premises he said, “Such an event can sow the seeds of film society focusing on children. In order to sustain this creative concept, teachers should persuade children for critical appreciation of films. Setting up of film production laboratory in this context may also help.”
Delivering the keynote address film maker Batul Mukhtiar said, “Children films portray a complete package of hope, idealism, thunder and innocence.”. Children Film Society India Administrative Officer cum Accounts Officer Rajesh Gohil mentioned the need to make films available to the remote areas of Jharkhand. “As of now, 260 children films in 15 different Indian languages have been made. In an initiative we have made 10 films for visually impaired children. Similar efforts can be adapted for hearing impaired children,” he said. He also pointed out the need to make separate films for children hailing from rural districts. JCFF Chairperson cum Mass Communication Department Dean and Head Dr Dev Vrat Singh pointed out the absence of female and children characters in Indian cartoons and emphasized on the need to incorporate Indian values and culture in film making process.
Speaking on the purpose of festival, UNICEF Communication Officer Moira Dawa highlighted the World Children’s Day which is held on November 20 every year.
Batul Mukhtiar’s Kaphal, Amole Gupte’s Stanley Ka Dabba and Ramkisan Choyal’s Gauru movies were screened on the first day. National Workshop Sessions on Film Synesthesia by Golhi and Mukhtiar were also conducted for various university teachers, scholars and students. In addition, an interaction of UNICEF child reporters with noted Jharkhand film maker ShriPrakash and Batul Mukhtiar was also held. Notably, the festival is one of its kind events being hosted by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), CFSI and UNICEF.
