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In a new role

Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

No Kidding Nandita Das

She is known to do offbeat stuff but when we heard she was appointed chairperson of the 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’m yet to find my feet but I am committed to bringing in some systemic changes. Three years is a small time, I want the process of change to start,” says Nandita Das.

Nandita has already introduced some changes such as reviving the children’s jury at the festival and instituting the best screenplay award. “Screenplay is the key to any film and in a children’s film it becomes crucial because this time, 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 ironical 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 to different views.” Children’s films are in such a bad shape in the country that Nandita could not find 12 quality films for the Indian section. 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 an audience in small towns. Regional children’s film festivals could help generate a demand.”

She has roped in Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj, who are known for their interest in the genre, for the discussions at 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 perspective. We are open to NGOs who are active in the field of children’s education and entertainment.”

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