Studies should go and-in hand with extracurricular activities, singer Rimi Tomy has said.
She was addressing children at the inauguration of a media centre in connection with the second International Children’s Film Festival of Kerala (ICFFK), organised by the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare, here on Saturday.
Ms. Tomy told the children taking part in the council’s summer camp that she started singing at the age of three. It was youth festivals and ‘ganamelas’ that catapulted her to fame, opening the doors to cinema.
Council general secretary Deepak S.P. presided over the function. Nearly 1,000 children have registered for the ICFFK, to be held from May 10 to 16. Registrations can be made on https://www.icffk.com
Nearly 200 films will be screened across six venues – Kairali, Sree, Nila, and Kalabhavan cinemas and Tagore Theatre and Nishagandhi Auditorium. Marginalised children, such as those from tribal settlements and those living in child care institutions, will be made delegates. Children from various districts will be brought by the respective child welfare councils to the city, provided accommodation and other facilities.
Children can become presenters at the cinemas where the film will be screened and the main festival venue – Kairali, and inaugural and closing ceremonies. Audition for children in Classes VIII to XII will be held at the council premises in Thycaud at 11 a.m. on Monday, council general secretary Deepak S.P. said.
Acting opportunity
Children taking part in the festival will also get an opportunity to act in Vikram-starrer Karnan, film’s director R.S. Vimal said. Child actors were needed to enact Karnan’s and the Pandavas’ childhood. Two of the children will be selected from the ICFFK participants, he said.