The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has announced the winners of its tenth annual short film competition on human rights for 2024. The first prize of Rs. 2 lakh has been awarded to ‘Doodh Ganga- Valley’s Dying Lifeline’, a documentary by Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir. This film highlights the pollution of the Doodh Ganga river due to unchecked waste disposal and underscores the necessity of its restoration for the welfare of the valley’s inhabitants. The documentary is presented in English, Hindi, and Urdu, with English subtitles.
The second prize of Rs. 1.5 lakh has been granted to ‘Fight for Rights’ by Kadarappa Raju from Andhra Pradesh. This film addresses the critical issues of child marriage and the importance of education. It is produced in Telugu with English subtitles.
The third prize of Rs. 1 lakh has been awarded to ‘GOD’, a silent film by R. Ravichandran from Tamil Nadu. Through its elderly protagonist, the film emphasises the value of potable water.
Additionally, the NHRC has recognised four films with a ‘Certificate of Special Mention’, each accompanied by a cash award of Rs. 50,000. These films are:
- ‘Aksharabhyasam’ by Haneesh Undramatla from Telangana: A silent film highlighting the importance of child education.
- ‘Vilayilla Pattathari (An Inexpensive Graduate)’ by R. Selvam from Tamil Nadu: This Tamil-language film, with English subtitles, focuses on the concerns and rights of older persons.
- ‘Life of Seetha’ by Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana from Andhra Pradesh: Presented in Telugu with English subtitles, the film explores the rights violations of children due to certain religious practices and advocates for reform.
- ‘Be a Human’ by Lotla Naveen from Andhra Pradesh: A Hindi-language film with English subtitles that addresses issues such as domestic violence, assaults on women, abandonment of girl children, and the role of societal intervention.
The selection jury was chaired by NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, and included members Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General Bharat Lal, DG (I) R. Prasad Meena, and Registrar (Law) Joginder Singh.
Initiated in 2015, the NHRC Short Film Award Scheme aims to encourage and acknowledge cinematic and creative efforts that promote and protect human rights. The 2024 edition received a record 303 entries from various parts of the country, with 243 qualifying for final consideration. Details regarding the awards presentation ceremony will be announced in due course.
