Representatives of the industry were at the receiving end of the question, that was asked by a bunch of children. The event was an interaction with children, organised as part of the Children’s Film Festival of India 2008, at the Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park.
Filmmakers Baraguru Ramachandrappa, Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, B S Lingadevaru, regional censor board official Chandrashekhar and Children’s India President N R Nanjunde Gowda took questions from children, on topics ranging from animation in films to the creative process of screen writing. But the main point of debate was pegged to the rise of violence in Kannada cinema.
Ramachandrappa pointed out that the industry had witnessed many movies that glorify goons over the past couple of years.
Chandrashekhar said the board was keeping a tab on the rise of such films and added that restrictions were imposed on many films that glorified violence.
The interaction also touched upon the conflict between creative freedom and social responsibility of the film-maker. Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar observed that there have been instances when shooting abroad was a necessity.
However, Ramachandrappa, while  endorsing the view as a creative decision, also called upon the government to support films that are shot in Karnataka and also employ artists and technicians from the State.
The interaction was laced with performances by cultural troupes, including a group from Mandya that performed kolaata on stilts. The film festival will go on till February 21 at Pallavi, Navrang, Poornima and Nandini theatres, apart from the Bal Bhavan. Those interested may call 41324898/41224477 for further details.