"The aim of the award scheme is to encourage and acknowledge cinematic and creative efforts of the Indian citizens, irrespective of their age, towards the promotion and protection of human rights," said an NHRC statement.
The entries can be sent till August 16. The award carries a certificate along with prize money of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 for the best first, second and third film respectively.
The short films may be in any Indian language with sub-titles in English or in English. Duration of the short film should not be less than 5 minutes or more than 10 minutes. The films may be made in any technical format.
These may be within the ambit of right to life, liberty, equality and dignity and raising concerns on issues, specific, among others, to bonded and child labour, women and children, elderly persons, differently-abled persons, healthcare, food, education, custodial violence and torture, domestic violence, clean environment, issues of fundamental freedoms, human trafficking etc.
There is no bar on number of films sent by an individual for participation in the contest. Further details can be accessed from the website of the Commission.