Lakhisarai to Host Its First Children’s Film Festival, Showcasing National and Internationally Acclaimed Films

Lakhisarai: For the first time, Lakhisarai will host a Children’s Film Festival, a three-day event organized by the Department of Art, Culture and Youth in collaboration with the District Administration. The festival, set to run from 14 to 16 November, will coincide with Children’s Day celebrations and aims to inspire young audiences with a selection of respected national and international films.

The festival, seen as a step towards promoting Bihar’s film policy, will be inaugurated by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on 14 November at the Lakhisarai Museum. Screenings will take place at multiple venues, including the museum, Raj Cinema, and Mahadev Talkies. The event will focus on two key themes: Nipun Bharat and Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, aligning with national educational and social campaigns.

Children under the age of 18 will be the official delegates for the festival, with free entry provided through the support of the Education Department.

Among the films to be screened are the Oscar-winning Gandhi, alongside other acclaimed films such as Lagaan, Iqbal, Chak De India, Taare Zameen Par, Chidiyakhana, and I Am Kalam. Several short films, including Shera, The Silent Echo, Bittu, Baraat, and Rang, will also be showcased to inspire young audiences. Marathi film Kasturi and the Andaman-set film Andaman are also part of the lineup.

Lakhisarai District Magistrate and Festival Director Mithilesh Mishra highlighted the significance of the festival at a press conference held at Raj Cinema, calling it a national event and potentially the only Children’s Film Festival in the country this Children’s Day. “The district administration is committed to ensuring the successful organisation of the festival,” Mishra said, adding that the event has received support from the National Film Development Corporation, Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation, Film Critics Guild of India, and Cineyatra.

Mishra also noted that Lakhisarai’s rich potential as a film location would be promoted during the festival. Local residents are encouraged to submit photographs of scenic spots in the district—such as rivers, temples, mountains, or art villages—that could serve as filming locations. Winning entries will receive cash prizes, with Rs 2,100 for first place, Rs 1,500 for second place, and Rs 1,000 for third place.

Raviraj Patel, secretary of Cineyatra and festival coordinator, said the event is a source of pride for the district, and the presence of notable figures from the Mumbai film industry is expected. Confirmed guests include actor Vikas Kumar, known for his roles in Aarya and Kalapani, and National Film Award-winning critic Deepak Dua. In addition to film screenings, the festival will offer masterclasses on cinema, discussions on Bihar’s film policy, and quizzes designed to engage and educate young audiences.

The festival promises to be a landmark event for Lakhisarai, showcasing the district’s growing importance in India’s film culture while providing a platform for children to experience the magic of cinema.