The 16th edition of the International Children's Film Festival was launched yesterday at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

The opening ceremony commenced with the rendition of the national anthem, the hoisting of the flag, and the release of balloons and kites into the sky. Dr Hasan Mahmud, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, presided over the inauguration, joined by other esteemed guests.

The later part of the programme featured speeches from prominent figures, including Filmmaker and Founder Morshedul Islam, President Author Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, and General Secretary Munira Morshed Munni from Children's Film Society.  

Salah Uddin Ahmed, the secretary of BSA and Shahriar Al Mamun, the festival director, also graced the event with their presence. 

The opening ceremony concluded with the screening of the film "Aam Kathaler Chhuti" (Bangladesh), directed by Mohammad Nuruzzaman.

Throughout the festival, which will run until September 9, there will be three daily screenings at 11 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm. This year's festival will showcase 101 children's films from 39 countries at two venues– the National Art Gallery, BSA, and Alliance Francaise Dhaka. All screenings are free for the audience.

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16th International Children's Film Fest to begin on Thursday 

One of the festival's highlights is the competition section for films made by Bangladeshi children. This year, 17 films were submitted, with nine selected for screening and three set to receive awards. In the Special Children's Film category, 5 films were submitted, and 2 will be screened. In the Young Bangladeshi Filmmaker section, 35 films were submitted, with 15 making it to the screen, and two earning awards.

For the International Children's Film Producer category, over 2700 films were submitted, and 75 will be screened. The films in the children's filmmaker category will be evaluated by a jury board consisting of children themselves, ensuring that the best films created by young talents are chosen.

Additionally, a separate jury board has been formed to assess the films in the International Children's Film Producer category, with members including Gias Uddin Selim, Shamim Aktar, and Raka Nowshin Nawar.

Representatives whose films have been selected for screening at the festival will participate as delegates. Two seminars have been organised for invited delegates, featuring discussions with filmmakers Mohammad Touqir Islam and Raihan Rafi. 

The festival promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for both young and adult audiences alike.