The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is inviting entries for its 11th annual short film competition focused on human rights. Indian citizens can submit their films online by August 31, 2025. The competition aims to raise awareness about various socio-economic, cultural, and political rights through creative storytelling. 
NHRC Opens Entries for 11th Short Film Competition on Human Rights


Competition Details 

  • Eligibility: Open to all Indian citizens, regardless of age.  
  • Film Duration: Between 3 to 10 minutes.  
  • Languages: Films can be in English or any Indian language but must include English subtitles.  
  • Genres: Documentaries, fictional stories, animations, or dramatizations of real-life events are all acceptable.  
  • Submission: Entries must be sent via Google Drive to nhrcshortfilm@gmail.com

Themes for Short Films  

Films should focus on human rights issues, including but not limited to:  
  • Right to life, equality, and dignity  
  • Women’s and children’s rights 
  • Rights of the elderly and persons with disabilities 
  • Manual scavenging and healthcare rights  
  • Human trafficking and domestic violence 
  • Police atrocities and custodial violence  
  • Socio-economic disparities  
  • Rights of Nomadic and Denotified Tribes  
  • Prison reforms and right to education  
  • Right to a clean environment  
  • LGBTQI+ rights  
  • Displacement due to disasters (natural or man-made) 
  • Celebrating human rights in India’s diversity  

Awards and Recognition  

Winning films will be awarded by the NHRC. The competition, started in 2015, has seen strong participation from filmmakers across India in previous years. 
NHRC Opens Entries for 11th Short Film Competition on Human Rights

NHRC Opens Entries for 11th Short Film Competition on Human Rights

How to Participate?  

  1. Download the entry form and terms & conditions from the NHRC website.  
  2. Fill out the form and submit it along with the film.  
  3. Upload the film on Google Drive and share the link via email to nhrcshortfilm@gmail.com.  

Important Notes 

  • No entry fee is required.  
  • A participant can submit multiple films, but each must be sent separately with its own entry form.  
  • For any queries, contact NHRC at the given email address.  
This competition is a great opportunity for filmmakers and storytellers to highlight human rights issues and contribute to meaningful change through cinema. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this initiative—submit your film before the August 31, 2025 deadline!  
For more details, visit: NHRC Website.