About 200 films from 48 countries will be screened in the 18th International Children’s Film Festival of India to be held here from November 14.
Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor and lyricist Gulzar will be present at the inaugural to be held at the Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam at the Public Gardens.
The week-long festival is expected to attract 1.50 lakh film lovers. About 30 shows will be screened in 10 theatres, including four screens at the main venue, Prasads IMAX.
Child artistes' rights
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Bimal Julka, the Union Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, said there would be parallel sessions on basic issues that dogged children’s films. The topics included the rights of child artistes and directors.
Julka held a review meeting here on November 11 with the State officials on the arrangements to the festivals.
“We have received 894 entries from 74 countries. Of them, 200 films are selected for screening in different categories. They will fight for 16 awards in four categories,” he said.
Marking the 100 years of Indian film industry, the festival would also see screening of some of the best children’s films in the last few years.
kurmanath.kanchi@thehindu.co.in