Winner Short Fiction
Mann Aasai (India, 2024)-Director: Arivarasan R
Siluvairaj, A church sexton who has devoted his entire life to the service of God sets out to fulfill his dying mother’s last wish – a small plot for her burial site in the church’s cemetery. This first ever wish of his leads him to confront stark social disparities, question his belief and challenges his very understanding of the world.
Winner Short Documentary
Log Kya Kahenge (India, 2024) - Director: Rafina Khatun
Gulnaaz remains committed to using community radio to shed light on injustices and oppressions faced by marginalised communities, despite constant scrutiny and control by her family and community. Through her empathetic storytelling, she brings attention to untold narratives and advocates for unity and harmony. Amidst her fight for social change, Gulnaaz grapples with her own struggles for freedom and autonomy. This is the story of a young Muslim woman dreaming differently in a patriarchal society determined to silence her.
Winner Feature Documentary
Agent of Happiness (Bhutan, 2024) - Directors: Arun Bhattarai, Dorottya Zurbo
Amber, a happiness agent, travels the Bhutanese Himalayas surveying people’s happiness. On his remote mountain journey, he searches for fulfillment.
Winner Feature Fiction
Village Rockstars 2 (India, 2024) - Director: Rima Das
In a charming village in Assam, India a teenage girl passionately chases her dream of becoming a musician. However, life’s discordant notes challenge her innocence. Faced with harsh realities, she embarks on a journey to rediscover the profound connection between music and life, seeking a new harmony in the symphony of her dreams.