Lucknow, Apr. 15: Moral education is the theme of the Children's Film Festival being held in Lucknow, with cinema halls offering free screening of the thematic films.

Organised by the City Montessori School, the festival intends to demonstrate that cinema can be used as a positive medium of information for children.

During the festival, seventeen thematic films dealing with morality and ethics will be shown.

"Since the time visual medium like films and TV arrived, it has made a deep impact on young minds. So, we considered it the best medium to impart moral and ethical education to children, like speaking the truth, giving respect to people, and discouraging them from cheating. The children coming out after seeing the film said that they liked the healthy entertainment as it is a good learning experience for them," said Rupali Chandra, a film director.

The organizers said the festival has been well received by the city's cinema hall owners, who have set aside the morning slot for these films free of cost.

"This time, we have organised the festival for 15 days. It is being shown in nine cinema halls,” said Jagdish Gandhi, one of the organisers of the festival.

"This genre of films should be encouraged as it is very educative. Present day cinema is degenerating young minds. It has lead to an increased crime rate. These type of movies motivate us to be progressive in life," said Huma Khatoon, a student.

The festival began on April 6. (ANI)