Children, since time immemorial, have always been the focus and centre of attention on celluloid, whether it be an adult film or child-centric in global cinema across the world. Bearing this in mind, the Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival completed its 12th year ever since its inception in 2014, was marked by its inauguration on 23 January 2026 with screenings of films till 29 January 2026 at such venues as Nandan, Sisir Mancha, Rabindra Sadan, Chalachitra Satabarsha Bhavan, (Radha Studio), Rabindra Okakura Bhavan, Rabindra Tirtha, Ektara Muktamancha et al.
It was announced that a tally of 132 films across the globe will be screened. A package of films from India, particularly Kolkata, and cinema from other parts of the world, such as Switzerland, Germany, China, USA, Bulgaria, Russia, Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic and Hindi films from India will also be screened.
12th KICFF will have screenings of mobile films in the competition section from Kolkata and Chandannagar at Nandan. Also, daily bulletins will be issued, coupled with exhibitions of a potpourri of Bengali films under Guptodhaner Abhijan(Treasure Hunt) at the Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshanshala daily till the film festival is on.
The inaugural film that was screened was Satyajit Ray’s Sonal Kellar on 23 January 2026 at Nandan -1 at 5 pm with the opening song by Rabispandan under the direction of Durba Roy Chowdhury. Avinav Barua, the child actor of Sandip Ray’s Nayan Rahashya, inaugurated the 12th KICFF in the presence of the eminent filmmaker Sandip Ray, the guest of honour. Among other prominent personalities who attended the inauguration were filmmaker Gautam Ghosh, Firad Hakim, Minister in charge, urban development and municipal affairs, Aroop Biswas, Minister-in-charge Power & Housing Dept, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Minister of State, Finance, Environment, Health & Family Planning, Arpita Ghosh, Chairperson, Shishu Kishore Academi.
All the screenings of films are free, welcoming parents and their wards to visual adventures and to be a part of global cinemas.