NHRC Celebrates Excellence in Human Rights Advocacy: Seven Winners Honoured in 2024 Short Film Competition

(Judicial Quest News Network)

In a dazzling ceremony today at its New Delhi headquarters, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, honoured the winners of its highly anticipated Short Film Competition on Human Rights for the year 2024. Marking a decade of advocacy and awareness, this competition has become a significant platform for raising human rights consciousness across the nation. Seven exceptional films were awarded in recognition of their impactful exploration of critical social issues, addressing a wide range of human rights concerns.

A Decade of Raising Human Rights Awareness

Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of NHRC, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the success and growth of the competition over the past ten years. He highlighted the purpose of the NHRC initiative—to promote and protect human rights—and emphasized how effectively it has fulfilled this mission through visual storytelling. What began as a modest competition in 2015 with only 40 entries has grown into a national movement. In 2024, more than 300 films were submitted, showcasing a surge in public awareness and engagement with human rights issues. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, filmmakers have submitted entries in diverse Indian languages, making a significant impact on audiences nationwide.

Justice Ramasubramanian expressed his pride in the competition’s evolution and congratulated all the participants, describing them as “brand ambassadors of human rights.” He expressed his hope that future editions would continue to see films that inspire awareness and social change on pressing human rights issues.

Spotlighting Urgent Human Rights Issues

The awarded films in 2024 covered a wide array of vital human rights topics. Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted the breadth of issues addressed, including environmental degradation, child marriage, the fight for education, domestic violence, and women’s rights. He commended the winning filmmakers for their courage in tackling these complex and often difficult subjects, stressing how film can be an incredibly powerful medium for advocacy.

NHRC Member Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi also shared his thoughts, particularly praising the documentary Doodh Ganga – Valley’s Dying Lifeline. This film, which focuses on the pollution of the Doodh Ganga River in Jammu & Kashmir, resonated deeply with him as it exposed the severe environmental and health risks posed by pollution, urging action to restore this vital resource.

NHRC Member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani further emphasized the power of filmmaking in challenging societal norms and breaking barriers. She acknowledged the filmmakers’ tireless work in advocating for human rights through their stories, calling their contributions “a commitment to a better world.” Sayani’s comments underscored the transformative impact that each frame, each narrative, and each message could have in advancing the cause of human rights.

A Rigorous Process of Selection

NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal provided a detailed overview of the competition, noting the remarkable increase in both the quality and quantity of entries each year. This year, out of 303 entries, only 243 films made it to the final rounds after thorough scrutiny. The selection process, which involved three rigorous rounds of jury evaluations, culminated in the final decision by the NHRC Chairperson, Members, and senior officers.

Mr. Lal also announced that all the winning films would be made available on the NHRC website for educational and awareness purposes. These films will be open for screening by government agencies, academic institutions, civil society, and human rights organizations across the country.

Recognizing Excellence in Filmmaking

Lt. Col. Virender Singh, NHRC Director, announced the names of the awardees, who were selected for their excellence in conveying important human rights messages through film. The winners included:

• First Prize: Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat’s Doodh Ganga – Valley’s Dying Lifeline, which won Rs. 2 lakh, a trophy, and a certificate. This documentary raises critical concerns about the pollution of the Doodh Ganga River in Jammu & Kashmir and the urgent need for its restoration. The film is presented in English, Hindi, and Urdu, with English subtitles.
• Second Prize: Fight for Rights by Kadarappa Raju from Andhra Pradesh, awarded Rs. 1.5 lakh, a trophy, and a certificate. This Telugu-language film addresses the issue of child marriage and emphasizes the importance of education, featuring powerful storytelling and an advocacy for women’s rights.
• Third Prize: GOD by R. Ravichandran from Tamil Nadu, which won Rs. 1 lakh, a trophy, and a certificate. This silent film highlights the importance of clean, potable water and the life-or-death consequences of water scarcity, showcasing the value of this vital resource.

In addition, four films were awarded Certificates of Special Mention with Rs. 50,000 each for their commendable contribution to human rights advocacy. These films included:

• Aksharabhyasam by Haneesh Undramatla from Telangana
• Vilayilla Pattathari (An Inexpensive Graduate) by R. Selvam from Tamil Nadu
• Life of Seetha by Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana from Andhra Pradesh
• Be a Human by Lotla Naveen from Andhra Pradesh

A Platform for Human Rights Advocacy

The NHRC’s short film competition has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse around human rights in India. By providing a platform for filmmakers to express urgent social issues, the NHRC has helped foster a broader and deeper understanding of human rights concerns among diverse communities.

As the competition celebrates its tenth year, the future looks promising, with more filmmakers expected to contribute to the cause of human rights. Through these films, NHRC continues to advance its mission to ensure that the voices of those whose rights are at risk are heard, respected, and acted upon.