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.[3]
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),[4]Nafisa Ali (2005–2008), Nandita Das[1] (2008–2012), Amol Gupte (2012–2015) and Mukesh Khanna (2015–2018).
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.[6] 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.[7]
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.[9]
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
