NEW DELHI: The Bubblegum International Children Film Festival (BICFF) saw enthusiastic participation from the students of Delhi Public School, GBN. This international film festival for children is being held from October 16-19, 2024. The event started with the lighting of the lamp by eminent personalities including Rekha Gupta who is a Film Critic and has served as a member of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Shakeel Akhter is a creative writer, journalist, and art critic who has held senior editorial roles at India TV and various newspapers like Nai Dunia, Dainik Bhaskar, and Free Press Journal, Ashish Khare who is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in digital and social media marketing. At present, He is working as an Additional Director at MyGov India along with Leila Mostofi who is an Iranian Filmmaker and Gaurav Dwivedi who is the Chairman Film Bandhu.
While addressing the gathering, Gaurav Dwivedi stated, “With the advancement of technology, filmmaking has become more accessible, allowing young filmmakers to create impactful films. He added that the most important aspect of filmmaking is creativity. Having worked with various government organisations, Dwivedi emphasizes the role of innovation in filmmaking and encouraged the aspiring filmmakers to explore their creative potential. He further said,”To support emerging talent, scholarships are provided for those actively making films, helping them bring their visions to life.” Gaurav’s advice to budding filmmakers is simple: read extensively and expose yourself to diverse content to broaden your horizons and fuel your creativity.
Shakir Akhtar believes that we are in the era of short films, which offer a unique opportunity to connect us with reality. According to him, films are not just for entertainment; they serve as powerful tools for learning and personal growth, much like school education. Each film has the potential to teach us valuable lessons and offer new perspectives on life. In this way, films contribute to both knowledge and emotional understanding, making them an essential part of modern education
While addressing the children on the occasion of BICFF, Rekha Gupta highlighted that the journey of an actor is filled with challenges. She however, asserted that education remains the most important aspect of life. She emphasised the need to pursue one’s dreams with eyes wide open, recognising the effort and dedication required to succeed. According to her, passion is key, and those who truly believe in their dreams should wholeheartedly follow their path. With education as the foundation and passion as the drive, Rekha Gupta told the young kids that success is within reach for anyone willing to embrace the journey.
Ashish Kaul, who is media vetran believes that movies reflect society, offering a true portrait of its complexities and stories. He emphasised the importance of self-belief, encouraging individuals to trust in their abilities and vision. According to Ashish, success comes from having confidence in yourself and staying committed to your unique journey, no matter the challenges.
During an interactive session, Leila Mostofi an Iranian Filmmaker highlighted the high cost of filmmaking in Iran and stresses the importance of creating unique work that serves humanity. She stated that art and academia go hand in hand, and filmmaking allowed her to express herself deeply. Drawing on personal experiences, she reflects on how water birth can reduce pain and involve less medical intervention. Additionally, Laila sees swimming as a vital activity that not only strengthens the body but also fosters resilience. Through her insights, she underscores the connection between creativity, physical well-being, and making meaningful contributions to society.
The objective of the filmfestival was to unite the filmmakers globall and cultivate a diverse community of children films, enabling kids to explore various cultures and viewpoints.
