International Childrens Film Festival India Concluded

Iranian film 'Alafzar' (Meadow) bagged the Golden Elephant for the best feature film in the international category at the 17th International Children's Film Festival India which concluded here on 20 th November 2011. Hindi film 'Chillar Party' was adjudged the best feature film in the category of Indian films.

'Alafzar', directed by Mohammad-Ali Talebi, captures the struggle of two children, Ali and Nargis, who leave their childhood behind when their family falls into difficult times, while 'Chillar Party', directed by Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl, is about a gang of boys in a Mumbai colony.

The 'Great Indian Circus' got the second best feature film award in the India competition category, while it was 'The Ugly Duckling' which got the second best feature film award in the international category. The child jury adjudged 'The Crocodile Strikes Back' as the best feature film in the international category.

The International Children's Film Festival was on from November 14-20 in Hyderabad, the main venue being Shilparamam. Governor ESL Narasimhan, who spoke at the closing ceremony, made a plea to big directors and producers to keep some money for producing children's films. The colourful valedictory ceremony had performances by renowned artistes. State minister for I&PR D K Aruna and CFSI chairperson Nandita Das congratulated the winners and gave away some of the awards.