On 24 January, over 280 children from the nine centres that we work in with our Share Stories Open Minds project, accompanied by their centre teachers and coordinators arrived at Indira Cinema, right in time for the 10 a.m. show of ‘Double Feluda’<\/em>. Many had been to a cinema hall before and many hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Wide eyes, bright smiles and waving. An impromptu jig. Settling into the big, comfortable seats.<\/p>\n Indira Cinema was a venue that told a story of its own. Newly renovated, showcasing a history of not just Bengali cinema, but also Bollywood of yesteryear\u2014old posters, memorabilia\u2014one of the last remaining stand alone theatres in the city. Volunteers with the project had spent hours before Golpo Mela adding artwork created by the children\u2014many of them inspired by stories\u2014on the walls and pillars in the building, adding to the festive feel.<\/p>\n After the screening, and a short vote of thanks from the folks at Calcutta Round Table 4 who supported the event, food packets were handed out to the children. Stomach\u2019s full, energy levels high, the children went to play games at the stalls set up by students of Modern High School, Chowringhee High School, EduAims and PeaceWorks volunteers. The games were all based on stories, be it from Panchatantra<\/em> or Chota Bheem<\/em>, a particular hit being the Chota Bheem<\/em> twister! Colouring sheets based on stories were also handed out to the children.<\/p>\n By turns, groups of children went to a room where a projector and screen had been set up to watch the animated short films. These films included Origami<\/em> by ESMA and Poulette’s Chair<\/em> by Hiroyasu Ishida. Before each screening, the children were given an introduction to what kind of films they were going to see and how each film had a story\u2014perhaps a simple one, but with beautiful messages.<\/p>\n ‘Didi, look, I got gifts.’<\/p>\n A young boy whispered to me, showing me his plastic packet filled with treasures\u2014sketch pens, packets of biscuits, a file.<\/p>\n![\"16196015_977793325655794_5421560175121583305_n\"](\"http:\/\/0318da2.netsolhost.com\/pwarchive\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/16196015_977793325655794_5421560175121583305_n.jpg\")
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