Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) Vice-Chancellor Professor Nand Kumar Yadav on Monday stressed on promoting film studies in Bihar-Jharkhand by encouraging university students for critical appreciation of children-oriented films. He suggested the support of state and union governments to boost up children films within this region. 

Speaking during the inaugural ceremony of two day Jharkhand Children’s Film Festival at the CUJ, Brambe premises as the Chief Guest he said, “Such an event can sow the seeds of film society focusing children films. In order to sustain this creative concept, teachers should persuade children for critical appreciation of films. Setting up of film production laboratory in this context may also help.”

On the other hand, Keynote Speaker acclaimed filmmaker Batul Mukhtiar said, “Children films portray a complete package of hope, idealism, thunder and innocence.” 

Children Film Society India Administrative Officer cum Accounts Officer Rajesh Gohil mentioned the need to make films available to the remote areas of Jharkhand. “As of now, 260 children films in 15 different Indian languages have been made. Initiating for visually impaired children, we have 10 films. Similar efforts can be adapted for hearing impaired children,” he said pointing out the need to make separate films for children hailing from rural districts with the support of government missionary vans reaching out to this target audience by movie screenings. 

JCFF Chairperson cum Mass Communication Department Dean and Head Dr Dev Vrat Singh pointed out the absence of female and children characters in Indian cartoons and the need to incorporate Indian values and culture in the filmmaking process.
Speaking on the purpose of the festival, UNICEF Communication Officer Moira Dawa highlighted on World Children’s Day marked on November 20 every year. 

Batul Mukhtiar’s Kaphal, Amole Gupte’s Stanley Ka Dabba and Ramkisan Choyal’s Gauru movies were screened on the first day. National Workshop Sessions on Film Synesthesia by Golhi and Mukhtiar were also conducted for various university teachers, scholars and students along with the interaction of UNICEF child reporters with noted Jharkhand filmmaker Shri Prakash and Batul Mukhtiar.
Notably, the one of its kind event is being hosted by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), CFSI and UNICEF.