Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Riding an elephant!
|
Nandita Das shares with ANUJ KUMAR the joys of helming the Children’s Film Society
|
Photo: Rajeev Bhatt
No Kidding Nandita Das in New Delhi
She is known to do offbeat stuff but when we heard the news of her being appointed as the chairperson of Children’s Film Society, India, she managed to surprise us all over again. “I too was surprised when Ambikaji (Soni) offered me the job. It is three months and I am yet to find my feet but I am committed to bring in some systemic changes. Three years is a small time, I want the process of change to start,” says Nandita Das, on the sidelines of a press conference to announce the Golden Elephant, the 16th Children’s International Film Festival, India, which is on in Hyderabad till the 20th of this month.
Nandita has already introduced some changes like reviving the children’s jury at the festival and instituting the best screenplay award. “Screenplay is the key to any film and in the children’s film it becomes crucial. This time around, apart from showcasing quality films from different parts of the world, we are going to brainstorm on the definition of a children’s film.”
Isn’t it ironic that a more than five-decade-old society is still grappling with a basic question? “I mean it is time to redefine things. Today kids are exposed to different media. What worked for us might not work for them. Some say reality shows, where winning almost becomes a matter of life and death, are bad for them while some feel they give them that elusive competitive edge. We have an open mind towards different views.” True, but we are curious to know what worked for Nandita Das during her childhood. “Well, films did not play a significant role in my upbringing. My parents didn’t approve of the medium. I did watch some films at Sapru House. One was Safed Moti and of course Haathi Mere Saathi.”
In bad shape
Children’s films are in such a bad shape in the country that Nandita could not find 12 quality films for the Indian section. “Maybe some makers might not have been able to reach us but we know that quality filmmakers are not keen to make films for children.” Is budget an issue considering quality animation needs considerable money? “It is one of the issues. We know from our experience that big budgets do not necessarily deliver good content. We don’t want to go the Government with a begging bowl. First, we have to deliver some good products.” Having experienced problems in the distribution of her directorial debut Firaaq, Nandita agrees distribution is a major hurdle. “We have to think out of the box. What might not work for metro kids, might find audience in small towns. Regional children’s film festivals could help in generating demand.”
She has roped in Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj, who are known for their interest in the genre, for the festival. CFSI has also partnered with UNICEF. As a novel initiative, films made by child reporters are being showcased. “Children are not only consumers of information. They can also tell their own stories from their own perspectives. We are open to NGOs who are active in the field of children’s education and entertainment.”
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
|
