When schoolchildren in Assam had a gala time watching films

Guwahati, May 19 : In association with the department of cultural affairs of the Assam government, the Children's Film Society of India recently organized a four-day children's film festival.

The objective was to use films as a medium to influence young children and motivate them to become good citizens through the children's film festival named Kidfest 2008.

During Kidfest 2008, the Children's Film Society of India screened its latest productions such as Mahek Mirza, Tsunami 81, Gilli Gilli Atta and Foto.

The chosen films were based on various social themes. They were shown to leave a lasting impression on the children's minds towards choosing the right path in life.

Children were shown how violence and militancy in the northeastern region of the country was hampering the growth and prosperity of the region.

Nafisa Ali Sodhi, the chairperson of Children's Film Society, said: "Children's Film society besides the Assam Chief Minister and Culture minister have been a great support to the Children's film society. We have brought films to show the children of Assam."

Meanwhile, the children's film festival was a welcome break for students from their daily routine of books. Combined with entertainment, the festival enabled students to enhance their knowledge.

Children were delighted to be entertained as well as being educated at the same time through films.

Anurag, a student, said: "It relaxed and helped us to keep a free mind for our studies.veryday, we come to school for studies. But with such types film festival being held, we can have a good break from our studies."

Rebecca Midhi, one student, said: "It is very knowledgeable and entertaining. Theroducers also come with this type of film so that we get knowledge from these films."

Samish Choudhary, one teacher, said: "I would like to request to all directors, especially those from Assam, to make films for children."

Khomade, another teacher, said: "The children have learnt so much of culture, story,nd songs. They liked it so much and have benefited a lot."

Beside other films, the children's film festival also screened Tora, a national award winning movie, directed by Assam's noted Director Jahnu Baruah.

The films were screened at various theaters in Guwahati, the State capital.

Various other films such as "Bandu Boxer", "Yeh Hai Chakkad", "Summer with the Ghost" were also screened.

Besides, the Children's Film Society of India offered to provide all assistance to people in Assam if they have good stories for films.

Assam has its own story book "Budhi Aai Hadhu" a collection of stories written by renowned writer Late Lakhinath Bezbarua, whose sense of humor, and taste of stories are stated to be of quite good quality.

It was hoped that the children's film festival would provide a sense of direction for future to the children who are presently taking school education. By Peter Alex Todd

ANI