CFSI’s ‘Film Bonanza’ to cover Tier II and Tier III cities

At Children’s Film Society, India (CFSI), it has always been our endeavour to portray message-oriented films as a strong medium of communication among children. As a part of its initiative to take quality films to children across the country, CFSI has been organizing Film Bonanza, a short film festival, in various cities since July 2016.

In collaboration with the district administration and coordination of the education department of the respective states, we have so far organised the Film Bonanza in Shimla (HP), Karnal (Haryana), Patna (Bihar), North Easters states of Manipur, Sikkim and major cities of Nagaland including Kohima, Wokha and Dimapur. We will be covering Varanasi (UP), Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Bengaluru (Karnataka) and other cities in the next two to three months.

The Film Bonanza, which will be held for five to seven days, will show select movies free of cost to school children. Through this Film Bonanza, we are providing an opportunity to children to watch some of the most popular and qualitative films such as ‘Goopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiya’, ‘Pappu Ki Pugdandi’, ‘Gattu’, ‘Kaphal', ‘Ek Tha Bhujang’, ‘Kima’s Lode – Beyond the class’ and ‘Krish Trish & Baltiboy-I’, which have been globally appreciated and have received international accolades.

The select movies are not only entertaining, but educative as well. Along with screening movies, we also organise discussions on film making. It is such a pleasure to see the young minds show keen interest in the art of film making. When I heard the questions put forth by these enthusiastic children during such discussion, I am convinced, with proper guidance and handholding, some of them are sure to become great film makers in future unleashing their hidden talent and creativity.

CFSI's Film Bonanza is one of the significant initiatives CFSI has undertaken to reach out to the children of the country. We will continue similar initiatives as we go ahead into the future. In 2017-18, we are aiming at covering 100 cities. We want to reach out to all the Tier II and Tier III cities and the remotest corners of India and expose children to quality films.

CFSI invites proposals from interested parties (schools, NGOs, District Administration etc.) to conduct Children’s Film Bonanza in their respective districts. A list of 100 films is available in our website for screenings during the Film Bonanza.

I look forward to hearing from you.

‘Gauru – Journey of Courage’ – a must watch movie for every child

Going by the great response received by the audience for the opening film ‘Gauru – Journey of Courage’ screened during the inaugural of the National Children’s Film Festival, held in Jaipur recently, we are in talks with multiple distributors across the country to have the movie get a theatrical release.

Produced by Children Film Society, India (CFSI) and directed by Ramkishan Nandram Choyal, Gauru is a must watch film for every child in India as it effectively brings out the essence of deep bonding between a child and his grandmother. It’s a story of how a 13-year-old shepherd boy fulfils his grandmother’s last wish to visit her native place as she has never been there after marriage.
Children watching this film will surely connect with the character of Gauru and his love for his grandmother. Gauru is also close to my heart. I could visualize myself as Gauru, the protagonist in the movie, as even I shared a similar rapport with my grandmother.

Having said so much about Gauru, I also wish to share with you why I was convinced with Choyal about the making of Gauru, his directorial debut. While assisting on Kaphal, another offering from CFSI, Choyal narrated the script of Gauru to me. I felt the story was very impactful and I was bowled by his detailed narration, which was effective and melodramatic.

The underlying theme of the movie, which highlights the endeavour of a young boy to fulfil his grandmother’s wish who lies on her deathbed, connected with me instantly. I could relate to the rapport I had with my grandmother and had shared similar experiences with her. I was also nostalgic because it is my grandmom who introduced the magic of the movies to me. I recall watching my first movie with her as we both travelled all the way from our village to the district head quarter.

Add caption

The other aspect which touched me deeply is Gauru‘s love for animals. Being born in the family of shepherds, who are called Raikas in Rajasthan, his love for sheep and how tends to them has been showcased brilliantly. Children, generally, have an innate connection with animals and exhibit genuine love for the four-legged.

The dramatization of the young boy’s journey to reach his grandmother’s village to fulfil her last wish against all odds, his love for animals and the ecosystem he is entwined with, the depiction of life and relationships in the hinterlands of India – all these aspects made me go ahead with the project and bring this beautiful subject out on the screens. What’s more, Gauru also brings with it a positive and hopeful message that dreams can be fulfilled and will have a positive impact in the minds of children. And Ritvik Sahore has done a commendable job as Gauru in the movie!

When Gauru hits the screens during the summer vacation in April 2017, I want every child to walk in

to the theatres along with their parents and enjoy the movie!