NHRC invites entries for second annual short film contest on human rights

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has opened entries for its second annual competition for short films on human rights carrying a prize money of Rs 1 lakh.

"The aim of the award scheme is to encourage and acknowledge cinematic and creative efforts of the Indian citizens, irrespective of their age, towards the promotion and protection of human rights," said an NHRC statement.

Entries can be sent till August 16. The award carries a certificate along with prize money of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 for the best first, second and third film respectively. The short films may be in any Indian language with sub-titles in English or in English. Duration of the short film should not be less than 5 minutes or more than 10 minutes. The films may be made in any technical format.

The themes of short films, having a tinge of rights perspective, could be broadly-based on various socio-economic, cultural and political rights, the statement said. These may be within the ambit of right to life, liberty, equality and dignity and raising concerns on issues, specific, among others, to bonded and child labour, women and children, elderly persons, differently-abled persons, healthcare, food, education, custodial violence and torture, domestic violence, clean environment, issues of fundamental freedoms, human trafficking etc.

There is no bar on number of films sent by an individual for participation in the contest. Further details can be accessed from the website of the Commission.