16th International We Care Film Festival Reinforces the Power of Inclusive Storytelling

The 16th International We Care Film Festival, a longstanding platform dedicated to disability representation through cinema, concluded its two-day edition at the Apeejay Dwarka campus on Friday. Organised jointly by the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) and the Apeejay School of Management (ASM) in collaboration with Brotherhood, and supported by the United Nations, the festival continued its mission of sensitising young media aspirants to issues of disability, dignity, and social responsibility. The guiding spirit of the festival remained clear throughout: to use the power of storytelling to dismantle stereotypes, foster empathy, and highlight the everyday realities of persons with disabilities.

This edition was graced by dignitaries including Mr. Sunit Tandon, Former Director of the India Habitat Centre and renowned news anchor Mr. Sheevardhan Trivedi. Their presence brought an encouraging perspective for students, reminding them of the social impact that conscientious journalism and responsible communication can create. Both guests emphasised that media professionals carry the unique responsibility of shaping thought, challenging stigma, and telling stories that broaden the public conscience. They urged students to approach disability not as a subject of sympathy, but as a call for inclusivity, representation, and respect. The festival also featured a special address by motivational speaker Ms. Karishhma Lamba, who spoke about the importance of recognising differences with grace and understanding, urging students to move beyond labels and to embrace emotional intelligence as a core professional skill.

A lineup of acclaimed films from India and across the world, including Here (Iran), Fish and I (Iran), Butterfly Circus (USA), Goonga Pehalwan (India), and other thought-provoking shorts, immersed audiences in diverse narratives exploring resilience, identity, and lived experiences of disability.

Adding to the emotional depth of the festival were cultural performances by Divyang children from the Ashish Foundation, whose presentation earned admiration from the audience, and a soulful singing performance by Mr Devansh Chandra, whose presence embodied the festival’s message of celebrating talent beyond boundaries. The Photography and Painting exhibition, inaugurated on the first day, showcased expressive visual interpretations of inclusivity by students from different colleges, further anchoring the festival’s ethos of artistic and experiential learning.

Reflecting on the enduring purpose of the festival, Mr. Satish Kapoor, Director and Founder of Brotherhood, said, “We Care was envisioned as a cultural movement—one that uses the language of films to advocate for acceptance, equality, and dignity. It is heartening to see students engage with these narratives so deeply.”

Leaders from Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication echoed this sentiment throughout the event. Prof. Sajal Mukherjee, Director, AIMC, noted that the festival has grown into a meaningful teaching space where young communicators learn to view social issues through a human lens. Prof. Ashok Ogra, Advisor, Mass Communication, added that the international range of films allows students to understand disability within wider cultural and global contexts, shaping them into more aware and empathetic professionals.

The festival concluded with a combined felicitation ceremony honouring outstanding entries from the Photography and Painting competitions and acknowledging the contributions of filmmakers, student volunteers, performers, and guests. Over the course of two days, the International We Care Film Festival succeeded in deepening public understanding, inspiring meaningful conversations, and strengthening the resolve of young media practitioners to advocate for a more inclusive society.