Children’s Film Society

The Children’s Film Society India (CFSI) was established to create meaningful and entertaining cinema for children in India. The idea of developing a dedicated film culture for young audiences was first proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru, who was well known for his affection toward children and his vision of nurturing their creativity and learning.

Establishment of the Society

The Children’s Film Society was formally established and registered on 30 April 1955 under the Societies Registration Act 1860. The main objective of the society was to produce, distribute, and exhibit films designed especially for children. These films were intended to provide healthy entertainment while also helping to expand children’s knowledge, develop their character, and broaden their outlook on life.

The first governing body of the society consisted of 13 members and was headed by H. N. Kunzru, who served as its President. The organization functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Organizational Structure

The society is led by a Chairperson, usually an eminent personality from the field of cinema. The Chairperson also heads the Executive Council and the General Body, whose members are nominated by the Government of India. This structure ensures that the society continues to focus on creating high-quality cinema for children.

Film Production and Creative Work

Over the years, the Children’s Film Society India has produced a wide range of content for young audiences. These include full-length feature films, short films, television serials, documentaries, animation films, and puppet films.

The society also acquires exhibition rights to outstanding foreign children’s films and ensures that its productions are accessible by dubbing them into major Indian languages. In the past fifty years, the society has produced more than 100 feature films, 30 short animation films, 9 puppet films, and over 50 short documentaries and news magazines.

Film Exhibitions and Festivals

The society organizes film screenings and festivals across the country to reach children from diverse backgrounds. State and district-level Children’s Film Festivals are frequently held, particularly in remote areas, in collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organizations.

Many of these films are also broadcast through the Doordarshan network and private satellite television channels. Through these initiatives, more than 8,000 screenings have been organized, benefiting over 3.6 million children.

Recognition and Awards

Films produced by the society have received national and international recognition. Popular productions such as Yeh Hai Chakkad Bakkad Bumbe Bo, Heda Hoda, and Malli have participated in various international film festivals and received several awards.

The society has also received national awards for films such as TORA (Assamese) and JEO AUR JEENE DO (Hindi), highlighting its contribution to children’s cinema.

Training and Workshops

To encourage the next generation of filmmakers and writers, the society conducts workshops focused on children’s cinema. Approximately 15 workshops are organized each year, providing training and inspiration for new creative talent interested in producing films for young audiences.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

To mark the Golden Jubilee of the Children’s Film Society India, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the society’s significant contribution to children’s cinema and its efforts to provide educational and entertaining films for young viewers across India.