The Seventh International Children’s Film Festival organised by Children’s Film Society is going on at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium at the Public Library, Alliance Francaise De Dhaka, Russian Cultural Centre and Daffodil University. The festival is also taking place in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur and Barisal. Festival Director Morshedul Islam, also an eminent filmmaker, shared his thoughts and visions about the festival with the Dhaka Tribune:
What is the main purpose of organising this festival?
The International Children’s Film Festival is all about children. Their achievement is our gain. We want to use film as the tool to improve their imagination and overall betterment as human beings. The main spirit of the festival is the enormous enthusiasm of our children. We strongly believe that the festival will have a major contribution to create a new world of creativity for our children in near future.
What are the features of this year’s festival?
The festival has generated interest in children over the years. They wait for it and during the event, they make it alive by their footsteps. All the volunteers of the festival are children.
A total of 40 child filmmakers from foreign countries are attending this year’s edition. Their films are competing in different segments of the festival. These films are selected from more than 60 submissions from all around the country. Five films will finally be selected for awards by a five member jury comprised of children.
We have invited different schools and colleges to bring their students.
What are your expectations from this festival?
Children want to watch their films in their language. I want them to learn through films. Previously, we worked with many children who are now working hard to emerge as full-fledged film makers.
Film is a powerful medium which can represent social, cultural and ethical values and can educate very easily. I also hope that the festival will help them to be more creative and give them wings to fly towards their dreams.
Why the 7th edition had late start?
It is very unfortunate that after organising six international film festivals for children successfully, we had to go under huge budget constraints, without any support from some major partners. We tried desperately for funds but failed to convince sponsors. But, the fact is that, no obstacle could stop us from holding the festival and through small scales, the festival is being held simultaneously in six cities of the country.
Do you think that film making should be included as a subject in school syllabus?
Yes, I am thinking to propose government to include film making in school syllabus. Kids learn something new every day by observing, listening, adapting and in many ways. Film can play a major role in their education system.
