The Film Festival
The aim of the The We Care Filmfest 2014 is to create awareness about disability issues through the medium of films and to foster integration in society by spreading the message of ability. The festival aims at giving a fillip to the rights-based approach where persons with disability are considered persons first. We Care strives to remove the myths, misconceptions, prejudices, and stereotypes about disabled and disability among society through the medium of films. A preliminary net search reveals more than 25,000 foreign films and documentaries on disability issues that are available through the proper channel and distribution network.
In India, no proper information is available about films made on various issues of disabilities. There are nearly 40 films (both Hindi and regional language) and 50 documentaries with limited availability including to NGOs and professionals who are working in the disability sector, as there is no proper channel and distribution network existing in India.
In countries where the films and cultural festivals are held regularly, the observation has been made that they have proven effective and popular because they are the sole opportunity for the disability community to be the provider, to give something back. But in India, few public activities have been used by members of the disability movement to break down barriers and misconceptions about persons with disabilities. Creating awareness on disability issues through the medium of films is a new concept to India, though such festivals have been held before in various countries.
Research shows that in most countries, the majority of children with disabilities do not know any disabled adults and, consequently, many have a difficult time in imagining their future. An audio-visual medium can provide opportunities for them to observe adults with disability undertaking a wide variety of activities, in effect, introducing them to positive role models. http://www.wecarefilmfest.net/index.php
Submitting films and documentaries
The We Care Film Fest is inviting entries of short films and documentaries (within four categories: 1, 5, 30 and 60 minutes) from around the world a on the theme of the international conference “From Exclusion to Empowerment: Role of ICTs for Persons with Disabilities”. In keeping with the sub-themes of the conference, the films should focus on issues related to the following articles of the UN Convention (UNCRPD):
Article 6: Women with disabilities
Article 9: Accessibility
Article21: Freedom of expression and opinion; Access to information
Article 24: Education
Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport; and
Article 32: International cooperation
Besides being of the duration stipulated by the categories, the films must meet the following criteria:
- They must have captions and subtitles in English since the audience will include persons with hearing impairments
- The films must comply with accessibility standards and guidelines
- The film rights must have been secured
- Entries will not be considered unless all the necessary submission information has been received.
Submitters of films are requested to read carefully and complete the following documents:
Documents
Film screening at the international conference
During the international conference “From Exclusion to Empowerment: Role of ICTs for Persons with Disabilities” from 24 to 26 November 2014 in New Delhi, the screening of short films and documentaries will be followed by panel discussions and the sharing of success stories on the use of films as channels for information, communication and advocacy. Domain experts, filmmakers, film critics and representatives of film festivals on disability issues from India and across the globe will be invited for the We Care Film Fest.
Submission Deadlines
31 October 2014:
Films submitted by 31 October 2014 will be considered for screening at:
- The film festival during UNESCO’s international conference on 24–26 November at the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India; and
- The 12th Edition of the We Care Film Fest (which will also include a film contest and awards), scheduled for January–April 2015
15 January 2015:
Films submitted after 31 October 2014 until 15 January 2015 will be considered for screening at the 12th edition of the We Care Film Festival (which will also include a contest and awards).
The completed entries must be sent to the following address:
The Director
United Nations Information Centre
55, Lodi Estate, New Delhi-110003
Email: unicindia@unicindia.org
Tel: +91 11 46532242
For further details or clarification contact:
The Director,
We Care Film Fest
B-4/156, (Basement), Safdarjung Enclave,
New Delhi 110029
Email: wecarefilmfest@gmail.com
Website: www.wecarefilmfest.net
Tel: +91 9811012065, +91 9899472065
Outreach
UNESCO is inviting entries for the We Care film festival from among its 195 Member States and 9 Associate Members. Filmmakers in these countries are encouraged to participate by sending short films and documentaries on the theme of the conference.
Brotherhood and We Care
BROTHERHOOD is a pioneer in organizing film festivals on disability issues in India. Since 2003 it has held five international Special Film Festivals, jointly organized by the World Bank, the National Trust, Tamana Welfare Society, Asian Academy of Film and Television, Icongo, Iridium Interactive, and many others. BROTHERHOOD has been using audio-visual media since 2002 to initiate discussions and dialogue for the integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of society. Through several projects, it has demonstrated that film and documentaries can be a powerful medium for educating the public about disability issues, dispelling myths, stereotypes, and misconceptions about persons with disabilities, and promoting a new approach to disability, which guarantees equal rights, opportunities, and access. http://www.wecarefilmfest.net/about_brother.php 