Ranbir Kapoor to attend Children's Film Festival opening

Out of 900 films received from over 70 countries, the festival will showcase the best 200 children's films sourced from more than 45 countries.

"This year we have received films from 20 countries that were not represented in the 17th ICFFI. These countries are Austria, Chile, Cuba, Lebanon, Ethiopia Ghana, Jordan, Malaysia, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, Slovenia, Senegal and Scotland among others. The 18th Golden Elephant will see over 1.5 lakh child delegates from across the nation," Kumar said.

Superstar Salman Khan gave his best wishes to the film festival and spoke about his favourite children's movie in an audio-visual presentation, which was played at the press conference last evening.

"In spite of his busy schedule Salman Khan lent his support to the 18th Golden Elephant. His involvement with ICFFI will help us to reach out to maximum number of children as they adore him," CFSI chairman Amole Gupte said.

The 18th Golden Elephant, a collaborative effort between CFSI (an autonomous organisation of the I&B Ministry), the Andhra Pradesh government and I&B ministry, aims to promote the ethos of healthy and wholesome entertainment for children.

The best film would bag the Golden Elephant trophy and Rs two lakh in cash and the second best feature film will receive the Golden Elephant Plaque with Rs one lakh in cash.

There will be a special workshop on the rights of child actors in the festival.

"More emphasis should be given on 'child rights' and rights of children working in media should be adequately safeguarded. It's important to see that a child actor doesn't lose his precious time or days at school just because he is shooting," Gupte said.