If there is one medium that transcends social barriers such as religion, caste, and gender and connects people instantly to varied hues of emotions under one roof, it is cinema. It is a powerful tool to understand the global cultural diversity in a more realistic manner.
For the children, who have been treated to the three-day children’s film festival in the city, movies mean more than mere entertainment that make a difference in their lives. At Leela Mahal theatre, a cacophony of restless chatter and uncontrolled excitement filled the air as scores of children from various schools thronged the venue to watch the films being screened exclusively for them.
Bags stuffed with packs of potato wafers and handful of chocolates, the students could hardly wait to watch the show. The experience for Ayesha, Class VII student, was quite thrilling as it was the first time she was at the theatre with only her friends. B. Bharati, one of her classmates, appeared equally excited. She said she was looking forward to watch a film that has a humorous touch. While most boys confessed that it was a nice escapade with their friends during school hours. Interestingly, some children said language was no barrier for them and that it helps them get a fair idea about different lifestyles.
Halo, Sunday, Malli, and Chaduvukundam are some of the movies being screened at the film fete that concludes on Thursday. The films, screened in the 18th International Children’s Film Festival of India in Hyderabad, were handpicked for the city children, says District Education Officer (DEO) B. Lingeswara Reddy.
“The festival is being organised according to directions of Collector S. Solomon Arokia Raj in coordination with District Public Relations Officer and DEO.
We have identified some nine schools, where some 600 children, from both government and private institutions, will be part of each screening,” he said.
