Nagari Golden Bioscope
Film by Sudarshan Sawant & Dhanesh Gopal
Mentored by Pankaj Rishi Kumar
Jury Citation:
Sundari is poetic, moving, and touching. It beautifully intertwines everyday life with local mythologies. Through its evocative visuals and compelling soundscapes, it addresses larger questions about what happens to the natural beauty of a place that becomes the detritus of urbanization. The film looks at an important issue for the communities living in close tandem with such environmental systems.
Through the use of creative narrative devices, the film evokes a sense of longing and lament while asking pertinent questions about the city’s exploding infrastructure, its relationship with nature and how we think about climate change.
Nagari Silver Bioscope
Film by Sabika Syed & Nikhil Mehrotra
Mentored by Pankaj Rishi Kumar
Jury Citation:
Shab-Parak’s power lies in its cinema verite form. It constructs a compelling narrative using real people’s voices and beautiful images shot live on location; instead of relying on an external storyteller’s voice.
The film draws attention to a major issue, accessing the city at night, that relates not only to Delhi where this story is set, but to all urban centres. It gives us a glimpse into one of the many unnoticed worlds that exist within a city, and shows how strangers form a community through the simple act of travelling together on a late night bus.
Jury Commendation Award
Film by Bhargav Prasad, Archanaa Seker & Pavithra Sriram
Mentored by Bina Paul
Jury Citation:
Level Up highlights a very crucial and pertinent issue that cities today need to address, that of inclusivity and accessibility. It raises important questions about urban accessibility for people with disabilities, focusing on both the physical and social discomfort faced by individuals trying to navigate the city.
The film presents its differently abled protagonists as heroes, but it does not shy away from showing their raw struggles with simple, everyday acts. The viewer is led to an understanding of the gravity of the issues they face, and the urgent need to bring about change.
People’s Choice Award
दिल्ली की आखिरी लोकल (The Last Local of Delhi)
Film by Arundhathi & Sarah Zia
Mentored by Bina Paul
In the bustling metropolis of Delhi, lies an unused suburban rail transit network. As the city continues to deal with problems such as traffic congestion, deteriorating air quality and the lack of an integrated, multi-modal public transit system, the film talks explores the potential of the Delhi Ring Railway system as a viable public transit system. The film tells the tale of an erstwhile rail network that offered an effective and affordable alternative to travel across the city but has now gone into oblivion due to the lack of planning and support by the government.