National Award-winning filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia today lamented that films made for children are not reaching the target audience due to exorbitant ticket prices and held "box office lobby" responsible for the situation.

"It's sad that the films which are made for children today are pretty expensive to watch for the target audienceitself. The whole box office lobby is behind it," Dhulia stated in a release here.

"Children who want to see meaningful films are not able to, because of the over-priced tickets and the visual effect market has taken over the meaningful cinema for children category films," the "Paan Singh Tomar" director said.

SMILE foundation has taken an initiative with Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) which will premiere over 50 independent feature length films, short films and documentaries for children.

Dhulia is an advisory member for SIFFCY.

"When it comes to films it is always related to the economics, the whole circle is only completed when you see a box office potential. Just showcasing films at film festivals would only get praises but it won't get a theatrical release in the country. Films would only get awards, but won't get rewards," he said.

The festival will be organised in Delhi between December 21-27.