Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Sep 23: With regard to the tenth edition of the International Children’s Film Festival to be held in the city, a meeting was convened and chaired by the district incharge minister Ramanath Rai at the DC office here on September 23.

Festival director N R Nanjunde Gowda speaking on the occassion said, "In the past two of the best movies were given Rs 25 lac each, but now the government has increased the number of movies to four. This has resulted in increase in the number of participants. This time not only will the screening of chilren's film be conducted, but there will also be a workshop on animation. For this purpose experts from abroad will be invited. We felt that Pilikula is the best place for this film festival. There will be cultural programmes and celebrities will be visiting. Alongside this, tourism of the region can also be promoted. 200 films have registered in the film festival. Also, the 125th birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru will be celebrated. Awards like best film, best direction, jury choice, best child artiste, best Indian film and special award by CIFEJ will be awarded for various categories of feature/short film, animation film, environment film and documentary film. Ten committees need to be constituted."

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said, "Forming various committees will not be a problem. We have to limit the expenditure. Accordingly we can request the state government for funds."

Ramanath Rai said, "This is the first time such a programme is being held in Mangaluru. It is a unique programme. The district administration will give all the support necessary to conduct the festival here. The deputy commissioner will decide based on the information given."

Former union minister Oscar Fernandes said, "It is happy news that the film festival will be held here. This is a good opportunity. Let us make use of this opportunity and prove that we have talent and we are no lesser than any one. Regarding the finances I will talk to the chief minister."

Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, MCC commissioner H N Gopalkrishna, ACP Shantharaju, MUDA chairman Kodijal Ibrahim, PV Mohan and others were present.