Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore inaugurated the 19th International Children’s Film Festival of India (ICFFI) at Shilpa Kala Vedika in Hyderabad. Rathore wished that the week-long festival would offer good and quality cinema to the audience, especially children. Over 1,200 entries have been received from about 80 countries.

Noting that he grew up in a generation reading ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ and ‘Panchatanra’, he said that the present generation of children can make even short films with smartphones. The French film ‘Ernest et Celestine’ which won Golden Elephant Award in the 18th edition of ICFFI was also nominated for Oscar award. He wished that many more movies, premiered in this edition of ICFFI should also get similar recognition.

CFSI Chairman Mukesh Khanna said it was a matter of pride that so many child artistes and delegates from different countries were attending the festival. Well-known actresses Tabu, Kareena Kapoor and Karishma Kapoor were amongst those present at the opening ceremony, which saw the staging of several cultural performances.