NHRC : The project “GOD” from Tamil Nadu, which highlights importance of potable water, has been awarded third prize of ₹1 lakh.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has announced the winners of its 10th annual short film competition on human rights for 2024. The first prize of ₹2 lakh has been awarded to ‘Doodh Ganga – Valley’s Dying Lifeline’, a documentary by Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir. The film highlights the pollution of the Doodh Ganga river due to unchecked waste disposal and emphasizes the urgent need for its restoration. It is available in English, Hindi, and Urdu, with English subtitles.

The second prize of ₹1.5 lakh has been awarded to ‘Fight for Rights’ by Kadarappa Raju from Andhra Pradesh. The film, in Telugu with English subtitles, raises awareness about child marriage and the right to education.

The third prize of ₹1 lakh has been awarded to ‘GOD’ by R. Ravichandran from Tamil Nadu. This silent film portrays the significance of potable water through the experiences of an elderly protagonist.

Special Mention Awards

Additionally, the NHRC has selected four short films for the ‘Certificate of Special Mention’, each receiving a cash prize of ₹50,000:

1. ‘Aksharabhyasam’ by Haneesh Undramatla (Telangana) – A silent film emphasizing the importance of child education.
2. ‘Vilayilla Pattathari (An Inexpensive Graduate)’ by R. Selvam (Tamil Nadu) – A Tamil film (with English subtitles) addressing the rights and concerns of older persons.
3. ‘Life of Seetha’ by Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana (Andhra Pradesh) – A Telugu film (with English subtitles) highlighting child rights violations due to religious practices and the need for reform.
4. ‘Be a Human’ by Lotla Naveen (Andhra Pradesh) – A Hindi film (with English subtitles) shedding light on domestic violence, assault on women, girl child abandonment, and the role of society in addressing these issues.

NHRC Jury & Selection Process

The winners were selected by a full commission jury, chaired by NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, along with members Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal, DG (I) Shri R. Prasad Meena, and Registrar (Law) Shri Joginder Singh.

Since its inception in 2015, the NHRC Short Film Award Scheme has aimed to recognize and encourage cinematic contributions that promote and protect human rights. The 2024 edition saw a record 303 short film entries, out of which 243 were shortlisted for the awards. The award ceremony will be organized at a later date.