Creating awareness on disability issues through the medium of films is a new concept to India though the world over such festivals has been held before in various countries. Research shows that in most countries, the majority of children with disabilities do not know any disabled adults and, consequently, many have a difficult time in imagining their future. Audio-visual medium can provide opportunities for them to observe disabled adults undertaking a wide variety of activities, in effect, introducing them to positive role models.
Looking at the international scenario, a preliminary net search reveals more than 25,000 foreign films and documentaries on disability issues are available to the audience through proper channel and distribution network. In India, no proper information is available about films made on various issues of disabilities. Till date we have acquired about 40 films (both Hindi and regional language) and about 50 documentaries which are hardly available to the audience including NGOs and professionals who are working in the disability sector as there is no distribution network existing in India.
In countries where the films and cultural festivals are held regularly, the observation has been made that they have proven effective and popular because they are the sole opportunity for the disability community be the provider, to give something back. But in India a few public activities have been used by members of the disability movement to break down barriers and misconceptions about persons with disabilities. A few activities have been organized to raise awareness about disability issues from disability awareness trainings to political rallies. In India, no such funds are available for creating awareness on disability issues among general masses.
Brotherhood has been using the Audio-visual media since 2002 to initiate discussions and dialogue for the integration of people with disability into the mainstream of society. Through several projects, we have demonstrated that film and documentaries can be a powerful medium for educating the public about disability issues, dispelling myths, stereotypes and misconceptions about persons with disabilities and promoting a new approach to disability which guarantees equal rights and opportunities and equal access.
We are the pioneers in India in organizing the first of its kind - two film festivals on disability issues so far in collaboration with Actionaid India, National Film Archive of India, Delhi Tourism, Shamaroo etc.
- First International Special Film Festival was organized from March 14 to 20, 2003
- Second International Special Film Festival -2004 was organized from September 8-19, 2004 in Delhi in association with Actionaid India, NTPC and Delhi Tourism, Shamaroo.
- Next film festival “Look at Me” Disability film festival is scheduled in association with an NGO Trinayani, Kolkata.
The aim is to create awareness about disability issues through the medium of films and fostering integration in society by spreading the message of ability.
Tamanna Welfare Association and Brotherhood jointly organized the first of its kind National Film Festival on issues concerning the Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities from December 3-6, 2006 at India International Centre, New Delhi. Entries were invited from all over India in two categories:-
- Upto 1 minute
- Upto 5 minutes
Film maker and Students with and without disability of Institutes of Mass Communication, Journalism and film making participated in the above film festival.
NATIONAL TRUST working for the welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Statutory body of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) has agreed to be part of the above film festival.
ASIAN ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION, Noida, a pioneer institute imparting training in film and television has also agreed to be part of the above film festival. Indian Confederation of NGOs (ICongo) will be the Knowledge Partner. Others who are supporting the film festival are Rai Entertainment, New Delhi, Rudraa Entertainment, Mumbai etc.
SHRI GOVIND NIHALANI, an eminent film director will be the Head of jury in addition to Prof. M M Alex, Ms. Nandita Das and many other well-known celebrities from Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkatta etc. |
