Powerful Impact: Films Driving Inclusivity and Action

I am immensely happy to share the impact of the Films on Our Audience during the screening in Hyderabad.

The audience was deeply moved by the films, which showcased powerful stories.

Mr. Salil Kader , Advisor-Strategic Planning & Public Engagement at US Consulate Hyderabad appreciated the corporate involvement in such a significant cause and extended his support in any way possible to help further this impactful work. His colleague Mr Senthil Kumar also joined us.

Mr. Naveen Samala, winner Asia Podcast Awards 2024 offered a podcast partnership to help amplify the voices of those featured in the films and raise awareness about the issues they tackle.

Mrs. PREMA MALINI VANAM , journalist, founder Director, Mihira Kriyatives praised the efforts of the team and committed to using her media platforms to spotlight the films and spread their messages further.

Mrs. Saraswathi Pradeep, actress/film maker shared that the entire room was inspired by the spirit of the films, which illuminated the strength and potential of persons with disabilities

Mrs. Aruna Sharma , co-founder and managing partner at 4AT CONSULTING was particularly touched by the creativity and emotional depth of the films. She described "Madhavi Latha Prathigudupu " as "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and added her excitement to the event. Furthermore, she extended her 4AT Academy 's offer to train persons with disabilities to assist them in securing jobs, creating pathways for skill development and employment.

Mr. Vijay, Director of the Hyderabad Literary Festival, expressed his admiration for the films and proposed showcasing them at the Hyderabad Literary Festival and BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus , giving the stories a wider platform.

Mr. Noushad Mohamed Kunju, Ass. Professor, Dept of Theater Arts, University of Hyderabad offered theater-related support from them, adding another dimension to the conversation about inclusivity through the arts.

Mr. Nandanbabu C , Principal of the Dadasaheb Phalke School of Film Studies, praised the quality and impact of the films, emphasizing that they brought credit to the filmmakers. He also offered to conduct a workshop for film enthusiasts, helping to nurture the next generation of filmmakers.

Mr. Abhishek Shetty, HR of Sphinix Technologies Pvt LTD inspired by the films and the experience, he expressed his decision to actively hire persons with disabilities in his office, which is fully accessible. He thanked us for the invitation and acknowledged how impactful the event had been in shifting his perspective toward inclusivity in the workplace.

This wave of support reflects the transformative power of these films.

Our heartfelt thanks to all the Guests.

I am confident that all our supporters—Film Television Institute of India, Fiserv , United Way Mumbai , Accenture , and PVR Limited —will be delighted to see the impact these films are making.

#FilmImpact

Monthly meeting - Vishnu Prasad

For this month's meeting, we had the pleasure of hosting Vishnu Prasad , a young, highly qualified, and enthusiastic filmmaker, as our guest speaker for the filmmaking course participants. Vishnuprasad holds a Bachelor's degree in Video / Film Design from Symbiosis International University, Pune and a Master's degree in Fine Arts - Cinema from San Francisco State University, USA.

It was enlightening to hear from him about the ongoing efforts of film scholars in Hollywood to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. The fruits of their consistent efforts over the years are beginning to show. Vishnuprasad also highlighted the encouragement provided to filmmakers with disabilities in the USA.

He shared valuable ideas on how we can promote our films, ensuring the message and talent of our actors and crew reach as wide an audience as possible. Vishnuprasad patiently responded to questions from our participants.

A big thank you to Vishnuprasad for sharing his experiences with us and to Nandhini, his mother, for connecting us with him.

Heartfelt thanks to RRD GO Creative for providing venue and volunteering support to us as always.

hashtag#filmmaking

hashtag#Cinema

A Dream Come True: An Unforgettable Saturday

Last Saturday was a day filled with joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment for us. Our YWTC Trust has been dedicated to promoting sports for Persons with Disabilities and encouraging their involvement in the entertainment industry. On that day, our dream became a reality.

We approached the Film and Television Institute of India Pune to train persons with disabilities in various filmmaking skills like acting, direction, smartphone filmmaking, mime and dubbing. With their invaluable partnership, we arranged comprehensive courses under

our "Lights Camera Inclusion" program supported by Fiserv Gives Back, Fiserv  's Global Corporate Social Responsibility program.

These courses were a stepping stone towards our ultimate goal of producing thought-provoking films that would challenge societal perceptions and promote inclusion.

Finally our YWTC Trust could produce two thoughtprovoking films—a short film and a documentary with the thoughtful support of our partner Fiserv. Previously, we made a short film with zero budget, relying solely on voluntary contributions

After securing censor certificates and completing all necessary processes, we arranged a private screening of our films at PVR Sathyam Cinemas. With their timely guidance and amazing volunteering support, this screening was held on Saturday.

This moment was truly special, as we gathered our course participants, partners, and a few well-wishers to witness the fruits of our efforts. The hall's capacity was limited, but the impact of our films was immeasurable.

Each film carries a powerful message of inclusion:

When Opportunity Knocks the Recruiter's Door!

This film highlighted the need to overcome biases and recruit persons with disabilities for a variety of roles, ensuring equal opportunities for career growth. It was a call to action for employers to recognize the talent and potential of individuals with disabilities.

Stride

This film focused on intersectionality and the support needed for individuals hesitating to declare their sexual identity due to societal stigma. It also addressed the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities in overcoming these fears.

Beyond the Court: The Indian Wheelchair Basketball Journey

This documentary aimed to create awareness about the challenges and positive impact of promoting wheelchair basketball. It showcased the determination and passion of the players, inspiring others to embrace the sport and support its growth in India.

This is just the beginning of our journey. I will be sharing a series of posts about our efforts to produce these films, offering you an insight into the scale of our endeavors and the heartfelt feedback our partners and guests shared after watching them.

Stay tuned for more updates!

photo courtesy: @deafartistscollective