# Children's Film Society, India

Children's Film Society India (CFSI) was a nodal organisation of Government of India that produced children's films and various TV programs in various Indian languages. Established in 1955, CFSI functioned under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and was headquartered in Mumbai.
In March 2022, it was merged with National Film Development Corporation.

## History

The concept of an exclusive cinema for India's children was mooted by its first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and Children's Film Society, India (CFSI) was founded on 11 May 1955 with Hriday Nath Kunzru as its first president. The first film produced by CFSI was Jaldeep (1956), an adventure film directed by Kidar Sharma also starring Mala Sinha.
The Chairperson of CFSI was selected for a duration of three years, and over the years, several notable personalities have remained Chairperson of CFSI including Sai Paranjpye (twice), Nafisa Ali (2005–2008), Nandita Das (2008–2012), Amol Gupte (2012–2015) and Mukesh Khanna (2015–2018).
In March 2022, four government-run film and media units including Children's Film Society merged with National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

## Activities

CFSI produced feature films and short films for children in various languages of India. It organised subsidised shows and distributed film prints. In the last 52 years CFSI had made 114 feature films, 45 short animations, 9 puppet films, as well as 52 short documentaries and news magazines. CFSI also organised an International Children's Film Festival held every alternate year in India. The films produced by CFSI had participated in many film festivals all over the world and had won many awards.

## Selected filmography

| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1956 | Jaldeep | Hindi film, First CFSI film |
| 1962 | Bapu Ne Kaha Tha | Hindi Film |
| 1965 | Jaise Ko Taisa | Hindi Film |
| 1975 | Charandas Chor | Hindi film |
| 1978 | Ganga Bhavani | Telugu Film, Nandi Award for Second Best Children Film |
| 1991 | Potli Baba Ki | (TV puppet series) |
| 1996 | Halo | Hindi film, National Film Award for Best Children's Film, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie |
| 2002 | Baaja | Hindi film |
| 2003 | Heda Hoda (The Blind Camel) | Hindi film, Silver Elephant Award – 13th International Children's Film festival, Hyderabad – India – 2003. 2nd Prize – Vancouver Film Festival – Canada – 2004, Opening Film – Hamburg Film Festival – Germany – 2004, Silver Awards – La Matatena Film Festival – Mexico – 2004, Special Mention – Cine Jeune De Laon film Festival – France – 2004, Silver Awards – Cairo Film Festival – Egypt – 2005, Bronze Remi Award – Worldfest Film Festival – USA – 2005, Indian Panorama – International Film festival, Goa – India – 2005, My favorite Film Award – Ningbo Shanghai Film Festival – China – 2005. |
| 2006 | Lilkee | Hindi film |
| 2007 | Mahek | Hindi film |
| 2007 | Amoolyam | Telugu Film, Nandi Award for Best Children Film |
| 2007 | Manpasand – the Perfect Match | Animation Film, Gold Remi Award, 41st World Fest Houston USA 2008, Bronze World Medal 2008 New York Film Festival,USA, Indian Documentary Producers' Association, IDPA, India Silver Award 2008, Diploma Prix Danube Award Bratislava, Slovakia 2008 |
| 2009 | Putaani Party | Kannada film, National Film Award for Best Children's Film |
| 2009 | Harun-Arun | Gujarati film |
| 2011 | Gattu | Special Mention at 62nd Berlin International Film Festival |