Opening doors to imagination

(From left) Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Mustafa Monwar, Syed Shamsul Haq and Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed release doves at the inaugural of the festival on January 24. Photo Courtesy: Saikat Mojumder

Amidst much enthusiasm and presence of hundreds of children, the 2nd International Children's Film Festival '09 opened at the Central Public Library premises on January 24. Eminent educationist Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed inaugurated the festival. Children's Film Society Bangladesh (CFSB) has arranged the festival in association with Unicef. This year's festival features 156 films from 40 countries.
The colourful inaugural programme started with a 'dhol' performance by a father and son duo from Manikganj. This was followed by a rendition of the Tagore song "Alo aamar alo" by child artistes of Chhayanat. Among six venues, Central Pubic Library has been chosen as the main venue for the festival.
As part of the inauguration, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed; noted media personality and President of the advisory committee of the festival, Mustafa Monwar and renowned writer and President of CFSB, Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal hoisted the National Flag, festival flag and CFSB flag respectively. Releasing balloons and doves were also part of the inauguration.
The inaugural programme was followed by a discussion held at the Shawkat Osman auditorium. Munira Morshed, general secretary, CFSB gave the welcome speech. Noted filmmaker and festival director Morshedul Islam elaborated on the festival.
Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal said, "City children spend their leisure time sitting in front of the TV or computer. This festival can be a refreshing opportunity for them. However, providing entertainment is not the only purpose of this festival. We also want to encourage their creativity."
Carel de Rooy, representative of Unicef in Bangladesh was the special guest at the programme. He said, "Unicef is delighted to be a part of this festival. This can be a unique opportunity for children to watch lots of films made for them. In future Unicef will raise hands to arrange more such programmes."
In his speech Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed said, "Children are the future of the nation. If we create a better, nurturing space for our children, we can dream of a better Bangladesh."
Mustafa Monwar presided over the programme. He said, "Children are imaginative by nature. We should provide them with opportunities to realise their dreams. One of the purposes of this festival is to introduce our children to films from across the globe that are meant to stir their imagination."
The inaugural session was followed by a screening of German filmmaker Detlev Buck's award winning film "Hands Off Mississippi".
Everyday films will be screened in four sessions -- 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm -- at six venues. The venues are -- Shawkat Osman auditorium, British Council, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Alliance Francaise de Dacca, Russian Centre of Science and Culture and Iranian Cultural Centre. The festival is open to all children but guardians have to purchase tickets.