November 2, 2007 New Delhi

MESSAGE

The 15th International Children's Film Festival, “The Golden Elephant”, being held at
Hyderabad, promises to be a treat for film lovers of all ages.

To make a good children's film is a special challenge for filmmakers and actors. It has to
engage children's emotions, thoughts and attention at the most fundamental level. It has
to fire their imagination, entertain, enthral, as well as educate, without even preaching or
“talking down” to them.

The best of children's films become enduring classics, universal in their appeal across
cultures, rationalities, gender and age groups. I am sure “The Golden Elephant” will
provide a feast of such films from all over the world.

I congratulate the Children's Film Society, India and its Chairperson Nafisa Ali Sodhi, for
all their efforts and initiative in organizing this Festival, and wish them all success in their
endeavours to bring the best of cinema to children all over India.