Film festival to create awareness about disability

BHUBANESWAR: A two-day 'We Care Film Festival' kicked off at Bhanja Kala Mandap here on Sunday. The festival organised by Aaina, a city-based voluntary organization, showcases nearly 20 inspirational documentary films highlighting the grit and determination of persons with disability (PWD) and other rights-based issues. Besides, at least 16 short films are being featured in the competition section.
Inaugurating the festival, filmmaker Gautam Ghose said, "We have to help break barriers for people with disability and create awareness among the general public to be positive and compassionate towards them. Children must learn these values from childhood."
Noted writer and former vice-chancellor of Ravenshaw University Debdas Chhotray said, "Disability is not only a medical problem but it is more a problem of attitude. It is not all about constructing ramps in buildings but changing the mindset is very important. Though a large number of mainstream films are made on disability like 'Barfi', 'My name is Khan', etc., but they are keeping away from the real issue."
The festival got an encouraging response with a large number of students from different schools and colleges present on the inaugural day to watch films.
Apart from short films of one to five minute duration, amateur films on digital camera or mobile phones are also being showcased. The event also features discussions and deliberations on various disability related issues.