Team Goemkarponn
Margao: The Curtain Raiser Programme of the Children’s International Film Festival (CIFF) 2026 was held today at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, through two dedicated sessions, drawing an overwhelming response from the education fraternity across Goa.
More than 550 participants, including Heads of Institutions, teachers and PTA members from schools across the state, attended the programme, highlighting strong interest and support for the festival.
The curtain raiser was graced by Minister for Public Works Department, Shri Digambar Kamat; eminent film producer and actor Shri Damodar (Damu) Naik; Deputy Director of the Department of Education, Smt. Sindhu Prabhu Desai; Information Assistant, Department of Information and Publicity, Shri Siddhesh Samant; and Festival Directors Shri Bipin Khedekar and Shri Siddhesh Naik.
Both sessions followed an engaging and well-curated format, beginning with the screening of highlights from BCIFF 2025, offering attendees a glimpse into the festival’s journey and its focus on meaningful cinema for children.
Festival Director Shri Bipin Khedekar made a detailed presentation on BCIFF 2026, outlining its national and international film screenings, competitions for children and parents, creative workshops, masterclasses by renowned filmmakers, and interactive activities aimed at fostering creativity, storytelling and cinematic appreciation among young audiences.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Shri Digambar Kamat stressed that the success and long-term impact of CIFF depends largely on the active involvement of parents and teachers. He emphasized their role in guiding children towards meaningful cinema and nurturing creativity, critical thinking and cultural sensitivity through collaborative efforts between schools and families.
Shri Damodar (Damu) Naik highlighted the importance of positive, value-based cinema and noted that well-crafted films play a significant role in shaping children’s perspectives and social awareness.
Deputy Director of Education, Smt. Sindhu Prabhu Desai, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of schools and described BCIFF as a valuable educational and creative platform that complements classroom learning and supports holistic development through art and cinema.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Siddhesh Samant, who thanked school heads, teachers and PTA members for their continued support and formally invited them to participate in the Children’s International Film Festival 2026, scheduled from January 13 to 17, 2026, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
The successful two-session curtain raiser ensured wider outreach and meaningful engagement, effectively setting the stage for CIFF 2026 and reaffirming the festival’s commitment to nurturing young minds through cinema, creativity and cultural enrichment.
