3-day film fest in Kolkata to create environmental awareness

The third edition of Kolkata International Wildlife Environment Film Festival began here today with more than 300 schoolchildren taking an oath to protect nature and wildlife.
Noted environmentalists and Magsaysay awardees Prakash Baba Amte and Mandakini Amte, who were present at the inaugural function of the three-day fest at Gorky Sadan, joined the children as they promised to preserve and enhance the glory of nature.
Later in the day, Jungle Book Bear, a film by Oliver Goetzl, was also screened at the centre.
The three-day extravaganza, organised by NGO Desham, aims to sensitise people about the need to conserve the environment, a festival coordinator said.

Lauding the initiative, Mandakini Amte said,"I think more such film festivals should be arranged across the country to generate interest and awareness on environmental matters among the younger generation."
A special show of Marathi feature film 'Dr Prakash Baba Amte - The Real Hero', based on the life and works of the Amte couple, was also organised at Rotary Sadan as part of the inaugural function today.
Altogether, 66 films from 116 countries, including India, have been selected for screening at five auditoriums in the city, festival director Aditya Mukherjee said.