NHRC announces winners of 2024 human rights short film awards
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced the winners of its prestigious annual short film competition on human rights for 2024. ‘Doodh Ganga- Valley’s Dying Lifeline,’ a documentary by Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir, won the first prize of Rs 2 lakh. The film raises concerns about pollution in the Doodh Ganga river and the urgent need for its restoration.
Andhra Pradesh filmmakers shine
Andhra Pradesh filmmakers made a strong impact in the competition. ‘Fight for Rights’ by Kadarappa Raju won the second prize of Rs 1.5 lakh. The Telugu-language film, with English subtitles, focuses on the issue of child marriage and the importance of education.
Additionally, three films from Andhra Pradesh received the Certificate of Special Mention, each awarded Rs 50,000:
‘Life of Seetha’ by Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana (Telugu, with English subtitles) highlights the violation of children’s rights due to religious practices and calls for social reform.
‘Be a Human’ by Lotla Naveen (Hindi, with English subtitles) sheds light on domestic violence, assault on women, and girl child abandonment, urging societal intervention.
‘Aksharabhyasam’** by Haneesh Undramatla (silent film) underscores the importance of child education.
Other top honours
The third prize of Rs 1 lakh was awarded to ‘GOD’ by R Ravichandran from Tamil Nadu. The silent film, featuring an elderly protagonist, conveys the significance of potable water.
Another Tamil film, ‘Vilayilla Pattathari (An Inexpensive Graduate)’ by R Selvam, also received a Certificate of Special Mention for its focus on the concerns and rights of older persons.
Record-breaking entries
For the tenth edition of the NHRC short film competition, a record 303 entries were received from across India, with 243 making it to the final selection. The awards were adjudicated by a jury chaired by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, along with NHRC members and senior officials.
The NHRC Short Film Award Scheme, launched in 2015, aims to promote cinematic contributions towards human rights awareness. The awards ceremony will be held at a later date.
