The 17th edition of the International Children's Film Festival of India, the Golden Elephant, was inaugurated with a colourful programme in Hyderabad last evening. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Choudhary Mohan Jatuva said, children would get an opportunity to know about different cultures during such festivals through international films. Participating as Chief Guest at the Film Festival, the Minister said Children are the future of the country and proper care in all aspects has to be taken, to inculcate knowledge among them.

Opening the Festival, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, stressed the need to provide children clean and thought provoking entertainment. Stating that the support of the Government is a must for Children’s Films to survive, he said the films should be of high quality and influence the child’s life. He also said a Permanent venue would be constructed before the next Film Festival in Hyderabad .

Children’s Films Society of India Chairperson, Nandita Das said, the best of films have been selected and African and South American countries are taking part in the Festival for the first time. She added that the festival would have four Sections in the Competition section this time, and a total 152 films from 37 countries.