A pair of shoes can be a metaphor for a host of things. In troubled Iran, it’s a symbol of class differences between the rich and the poor. In India, it’s a lucky charm hung on the muffler of trucks, and in the US, it’s nothing more than another commodity to be used and disposed off. But to millions of cinema buffs around the world, it stands for Children of Heaven, a poignant tale of love and innocence, which will be a part of the 7th International Children’s Film Festival, to be held in Kolkata from May 14- 19.

The Iranian film about two siblings struggling to recover their only pair of shoes, will be just one of the many films to regale children of all ages. “Like the past seven years, Cine Central has tried to showcase world cinema to young Kolkatans. Apart from popular Hollywood blockbuster children’s films like Chicken Little and Over the Hedge, which will be the opening film of the festival, there will be films from countries like Israel, Japan and Hungary,” says Sajal Dutta, joint secretary, Cine Central, Kolkata.

Animated films dominate the festival. “Most of the films are animations for children. But films like Children of Heaven and Colour of Paradise (Iran) have appealed to people of all ages. The Dutch film industry is a very dynamic one and I would suggest patrons to sample their films, like Lepel and Bluebird,” says Dutta.

The festival will offer Kolkata children glimpses of Turkish culture too through films like Nasftttin Hodja and Elephant. The 7th Children Film Festival will be on from May 14 - 19 at Nandan and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Salt Lake.