The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Nandita sore over media report

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Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Nandita sore over media report

Staff Reporter

Seeks constructive criticism and suggestions dropped in feedback boxes

— Photos: Mohd. Yousuf

Making a point: Noted screenwriter Amole Gupte speaks at the Open Forum during the International Children’s Film Festival on Tuesday as other panelists Ashish Vidyarthi, jury member Inca Freise and Revathy look on. (Right) CFSI Chairperson Nandita Das.

HYDERABAD: Chairperson of the Children’s Film Society of India Nandita Das on Tuesday alleged “misreporting” by the media about the state of affairs in the 16th International Children’s Film Festival, though not naming any organisation.

During a press conference organised prior to the open forum, she said the criticism should be “constructive” and asked for suggestions to be dropped in feed-back boxes.

In a dramatic turn of events, Swathi Lodha, who was quoted in The Hindu report on Monday, rose from behind to object that the reporter did not identify herself while taking her version, even while not denying what was reported.

She was a non-media person sitting in the media conference.

Contrary to her claims, she was aware that she was speaking to a journalist who was wearing the accreditation card issued by the CFSI and accompanied by a staff photographer.

There was no scope for ‘misreporting’ as none of the officials at the media centre was aware of the change of venue of workshops. The daily bulletin ‘Bioscope’ also mentioned the venue as Lalita Kala Thoranam.

The press was not notified about the change either.

During the press conference, Ms. Das expressed satisfaction about the turnout of children to the festival.

“It turned out to be bigger and grander than I had imagined,” she said.

Ms. Das promised to strive to bring systemic changes during her tenure as chairperson, by establishing proper methodologies and processes. Informal committees, ‘Friends of CFSI’ will be formed with film-makers, script-writers, directors, music directors, children and also parents, to extend help from outside.

Also in the offing are proposals to do a ‘Travelling Festival’ to reach out to the children in districts, and to set up film clubs and libraries.

CEO of the CFSI Sushovan Banerjee said that talks were on with Doordarshan to run a special package of the award winning films after the festival.

Earlier in the day, Telugu film director Paruchuri Gopalakrishna urged the government to invest in good children’s films and make arrangements to show them at nominal charges.

An Open Forum was conducted with the topic ‘Should films be made part of school curriculum’ participated by eminent artistes Revathy, Ashish Vidyarthi, screen-play writer Amole Gupte, and jury member Inca Freise from Germany.

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