Hyderabad to host the 20th International Children`s film festival 2017 in November. This is also known as the Golden Elephant. This will be held from November 8^th to 14^th. Mr. Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Minister of Cinematography and Animal Husbandry said that the inaugural and valedictory will be held at Silpakala Vedika at Madapur.

The event is jointly organized by the Children`s Film Society of India, Mumbai, Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and Telangana State film development Corporation.

There are about 1204 total entries received for screening from 80 countries including some of the award-winning and reputed films. From all the entries there are about 295 films selected for screening in 14 theaters in the twin cities and other district headquarters. Last year there were about 900 films for entries.

The opening and closing ceremony would be held at Lalitha Kala Thoranam. Prasads Imax would be the main venue for the film festival along with 11 more theaters.

A 42 member organizing committee with experts from different fields was constituted for organizing the event on a grand scale. A 19 member Jury which included 8 members from India was also constituted.

Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav said that the state government has released Rs. 5.5 crore for this film festival. Also the state is waiting for the decision to make the Hyderabad as the permanent venue for Children`s Film Festival so that more facilities could be provided for this festival.

In this film festival a total of 291 child delegates from various countries and 50 child delegates from the state are participating. For mentally challenged children the films will be screened at Telugu University auditorium.