JOIN USWhat could be a better way to raise awareness about the importance of integrating differently-abled individuals in the mainstream, than through films? The three-day film festival ‘We Care’ did the same.
Organised by the students of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) every year, the festival in its sixth edition endeavoured to change the mindset of individuals by breaking stereotypical beliefs associated with the differently-abled people.
It also aimed to build a sensitive outlook of students and the society at large on various issues surrounding the differently-abled and make them feel that their special skills make them fit to be called ‘specially-abled’.
The festival was organised in association with internationally recognised NGO Brotherhood and also enjoyed the support of UNESCO, National Trust and UN Information Centre.
Over a period of three days, various films including Tunnel, Accsex, Dr. Paw, Fixed, White Balance and Dark were screened for a houseful audience. While Tunnel is an animated film with powerful message, Accsex speaks about the emotions of the disabled women in a beautiful manner.
Dr. Paw is a film that deals with dog therapy which does wonders to those who are physically challenged.
Fixed is an International film which provides knowledge on how science and technology is proving to be a great assistance to the disabled.
To add to this, two short films - I, Me and Myself and Teleprompter were made by students of the institute and received excellent response from the audience.
Anshul Aggarwal, who wrote the screenplay for and directed I, Me and Myself says he wanted to project the plight of the disabled, but not like other filmmakers.
“Usually when people make a film on the disabled, the focus is on disability, rather than the individual. So, I decided to show in my film, how and what people and society’s perception of a disabled person.”
Present during the screenings on day one, Aparna Sanyal, director of the famous short-film based on disability - A Drop of Sunshine, shared her thoughts on the inception of the movie and its execution. It was inspiring for the students of mass communication to listen to her and learn how real life can be portrayed immaculately on the reel.
Other guests who were present and spoke on this sensitive issue were – Shigeru Aoyagi (director and UNESCO representative to India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka), George Abraham (founder, Score Foundation), Air Marshal (Retd) - Denzil Keelor (CEO, Special Olympics Bharat), Afra Khanum (mediaperson) and Satish Kapoor, founder of Brotherhood.
One of the guests, George Abraham who is himself visually impaired touched all with his inspiring speech.
“I am glad I cannot see,” he said during his speech since his disability has propelled him to soar greater heights and achieve something that is extraordinary.
Founding chairman of the ‘World Blind Cricket Council’ and the ‘Association Of Cricket For The Blind in India’, Abraham was easily the assembled gathering’s favourite speaker. The festival also saw participation from students of various schools and universities across NCR.
A photography exhibition in keeping with the theme was also organised. This was appreciated by Ajay K Lal (Joint Secretary and CEO, National Trust), Kiran Puri (Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment), Joginder Singh, (former director CBI), who were the chief guests of the event on three different days.