Lakhisarai Film Festival
The Lakhisarai District Administration organized the three-day Lakhisarai Film Festival 2025 at the Lakhisarai Museum. During this period, a large number of people were present and social awareness and cultural dialogue were given a new direction through various programs and films.
Collective Pledge to Prevent Child Marriage
During this program, in the morning session in the auditorium of Lakhisarai Museum, District Program Officer, ICDS co-Nodal Officer, Under the leadership of Mission Shakti Mrs. Bandana Pandey, the participants were administered a collective oath to prevent child marriage.
During the festival, inspirational films based on the ill effects of social evils like child marriage were screened.
Mrs. Pandey said that—
“Child marriage not only violates children’s rights but also poses a significant obstacle to the balanced development of society. Its eradication requires awareness and active participation from every segment of society.”
In the same sequence, a mass oath taking ceremony was also organised at Mahadev Cinema Hall, where the audience present were encouraged to be alert against social evils and to inform the administration about any possible incident.
Awareness is the most effective means of prevention – District Magistrate
District Officer Mithilesh Mishra said that awareness is the most effective means of preventing child marriage.
Therefore, the public is being sensitized about this social issue through oath-taking ceremonies, film screenings, rallies, and community-based programs. He appealed:”Under no circumstances should minor children be allowed to marry. This is a criminal offense and is detrimental to both the children’s health and future.”
More than 1500 children watched various films.
A total of more than 1500 children watched the screening of various films and participated in interactive sessions related to them at Lakhisarai Museum, Raj Cinema and Mahadev Cinema.
Major films shown:
Lakhisarai Museum: Moving Focus, Chhichhore, Lakhisarai Museum Documentary
Raj Cinema: Over, Celestina and Lawrence, Sardar Patel, Pariksha, Chhello Show
Mahadev Cinema: Swaha (students and parents present)
An enriching panel discussion on “Cinema of Bihar and its relevance”
During the afternoon session, an important panel discussion was organised on the topic “Cinema of Bihar and its Relevance”. The panel included Ajay Brahmatmaj, Dr. Hitendra K. Patel, Dr. Nindita Banerjee, Abhilash Sharma, Vikram Kumar, Bullu Kumar (of ‘Panchayat’ fame), Ankita Kerketta, and festival coordinator Raviraj Patel.
Key points from the panel discussion:
Ajay Brahmatmaj: The land of Bihar is rich with stories; these need to be brought to the camera honestly.
Dr. Hitendra K. Patel: Bihar is a treasure trove of socio-cultural and historical stories; a well-researched presentation can help the state establish its own identity in world cinema.
Dr. Nindita Banerjee: Languages like Magahi, Bhojpuri, Maithili have a soul of their own; films made in these languages can become the true voice of society.
Abhilash Sharma: Technology has become accessible; if the youth get the right platform, the stories of Bihar will shine on national and international platforms.
Vikram Kumar: The youth of Bihar have immense passion and potential, the only need is opportunity and training.
Bullu Kumar: The world wants to hear stories from small towns today; Bihar’s struggle and humour can appeal to a global audience.
Ankita Kerketta: There is a need to bring forward more women’s stories in films based on social issues.
Raviraj Patel: The objective of the festival is to provide a national platform to the stories and talents of Bihar.
The audience also asked questions of the panelists. The discussion concluded with thunderous applause.
Respect for artists
At the end of the program, District Officer Mithilesh Mishra felicitated senior film critics Ajay Brahmatmaaj, Ravi Shekhar, Vikram Kumar, Film producer Mohit Mattoo, actress Ankita Kerketta, Dr. Nandita Banerjee and Sagar India were honoured with mementos.
The program was hosted by Sushant Kumar and Piyush Kumar Jha. The vote of thanks was given by filmmaker Raviraj Patel.
Stay connected with Soochnatantra for such latest news from the entertainment world.