Children's Film Society takes wing

Ever since its inception in 2006, the Children's Film Society has been devoted to changing the face of the nation through creating a generation of independent filmmakers. Initially accepting youth applicants between the ages of 6-18, they have since extended the age range up to 25 to allow more opportunities for aspirants. However what sets this festival apart from all the others in the world is its unique aim to create a positively changed society. “We create a pipeline,” stated Munira Morshed, general secretary of CFS, “where we create filmmakers, unlike other festivals where people just present their work.” The selection process is as open as possible to allow applicants from all over the country, and from all backgrounds.

For Munira, the criterion of a good filmmaker is more than just technique. “You must be a culturally rich individual, in order to produce good, credible films, and for that you need to have great respect for all cultures and races,” said Munira. A film concept surrounds various issues and its peoples, and so the institute aims at creating diversity as well as churning out socially aware participants.

However, the CFS is not just a space for filmmakers – children and young adults with different passions carve out their own spaces as they explore music, writing, photography and designing. This has, in turn, eliminated obstacles that have been faced previously in the past. “We struggle to find producers, sponsors, and editors,” she added, “During the first film festival we faced many challenges whilst approaching graphic designers and editors externally, but now we don't face this anymore as our children have been taught to do it all themselves.” This also imparts an important lesson on getting along with team members, as a film cannot be completed alone, and a great film depends on great team work.

Some of the previous participants of CFS are currently pursuing their future in filmmaking. “One of them has graduated from London,” said Munira, “and another boy has studied film in Delhi and already many of his works are being screened at various festivals.” The film activist and photographer still notes that despite their successes, there is still a long way to go, “We still lack autonomy here, as there aren't enough resources such as acting schools,” she said, “but I hope that one day the children who go abroad to study acting, return here and open their own institutions.”