The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has announced the winners of its 10th prestigious annual short film competition on human rights. A record 303 entries were received for the 2024 edition, out of which 243 were shortlisted for final consideration.
The top honor has been awarded to Doodh Ganga – Valley’s Dying Lifeline, a documentary by Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir. The film, which highlights the severe pollution of the Doodh Ganga river due to unchecked waste disposal, has won the first prize of ₹2 lakh. Presented in English, Hindi, and Urdu, with English subtitles, it underscores the urgent need for the river’s restoration for the welfare of the people in the valley.
The second prize of ₹1.5 lakh has been awarded to Fight for Rights by Kadarappa Raju from Andhra Pradesh. This Telugu-language film, with English subtitles, raises awareness about child marriage and the importance of education.
The third prize of ₹1 lakh has been given to GOD by R. Ravichandran from Tamil Nadu. This silent film, through its elderly protagonist, emphasizes the critical value of potable water.
Four films received Special Mentions and ₹50,000 prizes: Haneesh Undramatla’s “Aksharabhyasam” (Telangana), a silent film about child education; R. Selvam’s “Vilayilla Pattathari” (Tamil Nadu), a Tamil film on elderly rights; Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana’s “Life of Seetha” (Andhra Pradesh), a Telugu film addressing child rights violations due to religious practices; and Lotla Naveen’s “Be a Human” (Andhra Pradesh), a Hindi film tackling domestic violence and gender inequality.
Since its launch in 2015, the NHRC Short Film Award Scheme has encouraged and recognized creative cinematic efforts that promote and protect human rights. The awards ceremony for the 2024 edition will be organized at a later date.
