First Children's Film Festival in Patna

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday inaugurated children's film festival at Mona Theater in Patna organized by the state Information and Public Relations department in coordination with the Children's Film Society of India.

The festival that will run until November 14 would feature a host of nationally and internationally acclaimed film for the younger audience and would be replayed in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur later next month.

Kumar, in the presence of hundreds of children, wished them success in future and urged them to grow up to be good citizens and contribute towards a better, developed Bihar.

Prior to the screening of the first movie, children associated with 'Kilkari' presented a short play 'Sheikh Chilli' that left the audience laughing aloud.

The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 5 lakh for developing 'Kilkari' and suggested an annual award event for its young artists.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, in his address, lamented the decline – both in quantity and quality – in children's films saying the proliferation of television had resulted in the loss of interest in films.

"There used to be a certain pleasure in going to films with friends and family members and this film festival aims to revive that tradition," Modi said.

Information and Public Relations Minister Ramnath Thakur, department director Rajesh Bhushan and a number of senior bureaucrats were present on the occasion.link