International children's film festival begins Saturday

MUMBAI: The ninth edition of the International CHINH India Kids' Film Festival begins in Mumbai Saturday. Various events are scheduled at Somaiya School in Ghatkopar November 28 and at Bhaidas Hall in Vile Parle November 30.Around 45 children's films from seven countries will be screened.This year CIKFF presented by Arya Global has hope as the central theme. There will be film screenings, media literacy workshops, case studies and discussions, said Bharat Malik, chairman, Arya Global.Many films are made "for the children by the children". The organisers claim to have drafted participation from 1,500 schools. "We will screen movies made by top children's film-makers but we will also have pictures made by kids themselves. This demystifies the media to them and cultivates an interest in the art. Since eight years, children from all parts of India have participated in making movies based on issues relevant to them. Some of these have been surprisingly clever. One should never underestimate the little ones' imagination," said festival founder Meenakshi Vinay Rai.This claims to be a rare film festival whose jury comprises only of students below 15. "If anyone are equipped to judge children's films, it is they themselves. Their thought process is different from that of adults. So are their interests, feelings and their attention span. What is entertaining for kids is often tiresome for adults. So the practice of adults judging children's cinema is intrinsically flawed," said Rai.