The concept of an exclusive cinema for India’s children was mooted by our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru whose affection for children is too well known to be emphasised here again. It was he who inspired the founding of Children’s Film Society, India (CFSI) on 11th May 1955 under the benign presidentship of Pt. Hriday Nath Kunzru.
The avowed objective of the society was to undertake and organise production, distribution and exhibition of feature films and shiorts for children, provide them healthy and wholesome entertainment, aim to enhance their knowledge, develop their character, broaden their perspective and help shape them into useful citizens of modern India.
CFSI plunged into business almost immediately with its maiden production ‘Jaldeep’, an adventure story centered around a lighthouse. The film went on to win the first prize at the 1957 Venice Film Festival for Children’s Films.
Several talented and committed filmmakers, such as Kidar Sharma, Satyen Bose, Mohan Kaul and Rajindar Sharma were enthused to make films for children. stalwarts like Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal, Tapan Sinha, Sai Paranjpye joined them. Moreover, CFSI brought out an animation and puppet films as well as short documentaries and news magazines on subjects of special interest to children. Outstanding children’s film were also acquired from other countries. As a pleasant result, an enviable library of original films was ready for the country’s future citizens.
Festival Details are here
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