NHRC announces 7 winners of its 11th annual competition for short films

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has announced the 7 winners of its ‘eleventh annual competition for short films on human rights for the year 2025.

The Full Commission Jury has chosen ‘Rani’ for the first prize, which also carries a cash prize of ₹ 2 lakh. The film by Ms. Sarika Jain from Uttar Pradesh is a powerful depiction of how stereotypes fuel class divisions and inequality, portraying the struggles of women domestic workers and their human rights concerns through the transformative perspective of a young woman. The film is in Hindi with English subtitles.

‘Meanwhile She..’ by Shri Amal S. from Kerala has been selected for the second prize, which carries a prize of ₹ 1.5 lakh. The film raises the issue of a disproportionate burden carried by working women amidst challenges of gender stereotypes and domestic violence. The film is in Malayalam with English subtitles.

The Full Commission Jury was chaired by the NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian comprising Members, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, Registrar (Law), Shri Joginder Singh, Joint Secretaries, Shri Samir Kumar and Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak.(updated on 12th March 2026)