Most Egyptians instantly recognise Auntie Lulu, presenter of the successful radio programme The Children's Corner, as the veteran movie star Lubna Abdel-Aziz. Being involved in making films for children must be, in her view, extremely rewarding, as anything can be done, any message delivered, in so vast a field. As to whether children's films should concentrate on delivering a message or on acquainting the child with an art form, Abdel-Aziz explained that a perfect film should be able to draw on both form and content. She stressed, however, that the more subtle the message, the more profound it is, and the more lasting the impression it leaves.
Children buy books for the pictures, illustrations and paintings.
Even if the story is silly, the child is still drawn to the pictures, because they trigger his imagination. But I don't believe in a strict, severe, message. Children, she thinks, can and should have an opinion about the films in the festival. Perhaps, she suggests, it would be possible to introduce a child as a member of the jury board. Yet it does not seem likely we will see this innovation any time soon.