Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) “I Am Kalam”, about trials and tribulations of a small boy yearning to attend school, will be screened at 63rd Cannes International Film Festival to be held May 12-23.

Produced by NGO Smile Foundation and directed by debutant Nila Madhab Panda, the movie will be shown as part of the Marche du section of the festival.

“‘I Am Kalam’ is a story of struggle that I have faced since my own childhood. The film celebrates the survival of the human spirit against overwhelming odds. It is an inspirational film aimed at both children and adult viewers,” Panda said in a press release.

“To make it more interesting I have given the treatment of a contemporary fable, which would surely attract children more since it promises you something that hard work will win half of the battle in life rather than luck. However, I would also see it as a world cinema,” he added.

Anurag Bhatnagar, general manager (resources) of Smile Foundation, feels the film is aimed at urging the masses to come forward and support the cause of child education.

“The main objective of producing ‘I Am Kalam’ is to highlight how a child aspires to dream in spite of all the hardships of the life. The Indian government has recently passed the bill on right to education. But the act will remain a mere legislation until and unless the privileged comes forward proactively for the cause,” said Bhatnagar.

“This film is an effort to appeal to all the privileged mass to come forward so as to make this act a reality on the ground as well,” he added.

It has been shot extensively in Rajasthan and was selected for the international film co-production market in Amsterdam. It has also been selected to be screened at the Vienna International Children’s Film Festival.