Assamese script makes its way to prestigious Cinekid market

New Delhi, Oct 23 (PTI) A script that takes a look at witch hunting in Assam through the eyes of a kid is the only non-European project chosen for the co-production market of Cinekid, the world's largest film, TV and cross-media festival for children being held in Amsterdam. Adapted from acclaimed Assamese writer Manikuntala Bhattacharjya's children's novel "Ishu" by National Award-winning film critic Utpal Borpujari, the script, also titled "Ishu", is among the 15 film projects chosen to be presented before a high-profile panel of co-producers, distributors and sales agents who have descend from all over the world at Cinekid Junior Co-Production Market for four days from today. The selection of "Ishu", which is the only representative of all the continents outside Europe at the event, was done by Cinekid for Professionals (CfP), which also chose 15 TV and 10 cross-media projects - again all from only Europe - for children for the co-production market. "The junior co-production market will enable financiers, broadcasters and professionals to assess new and innovative projects across the cross-media, film and television sectors," a CfP statement said. The film's script is under consideration of the Children's Film Society, India (CFSI). As securing funds to make an Assamese film is quite an uphill task, Borpujari is awaiting CFSI's decision. The story of Ishu is set in the Rabha community, and the film is likely to be shot in Rabha villages near Goalpara. With the theme having its backdrop in witch hunting, Borpujari plans to dedicate the film to Birobala Rabha, the crusader against the social scourge. The film's production work will be handled by Eleeanora Images, a company led by director Nila Madhab Panda of "I Am Kalam" and "Jalpari" fame. More than 350 international professionals are expected to visit the CfP event and over 100 financiers, potential co-producers, commissioning editors the junior co-production market. PTI ZMN BK