Rishiraj Agarwal, a talented graduate from the National Institute of Design (NID), has made headlines by winning the Best Documentary award at the 71st National Film Awards. His graduation film, ‘God Vulture and Human’, explores the vital yet often ignored role of transplant coordinators in the organ donation process. The project was guided by Dr Shilpa Das and supported by IIM-Ahmedabad, drawing inspiration from a research paper on organ donation by Dr Rajesh Chandwani, who also co-produced the film.
Agarwal, who graduated in 2018, shared his experience, stating, “I was just 28 when I made this film. From ideation to shooting and colour grading, I handled every part myself. The budget was minimal, and I used basic equipment—a handycam and sometimes even my phone. It was raw, personal, and driven entirely by passion.”
The documentary tells the powerful stories of four transplant coordinators who navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of organ donation and transplantation. Each story highlights the thin line between life and death, aiming to humanise these often-overlooked heroes.
Agarwal’s achievement is a significant milestone for NID, which continues to produce talented filmmakers. Another alumnus, Manish Saini, also received recognition at the National Awards. His short film ‘Giddh (The Scavenger)’ won the award for Best Short Film (under 30 minutes). This film was featured as the closing presentation at the Alpavirama 2024 film festival, organised by NID’s Film and Video Communication department.
Saini, known for his contributions to Gujarati cinema, previously won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati for his debut film ‘Dhh’ in 2017. His work continues to shine a light on the rich tapestry of Indian cinema.
The 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held in New Delhi, celebrated various achievements across acting, direction, music, and production. This year, the Best Actor award was shared between Shah Rukh Khan for ‘Jawan’ and Vikrant Massey for ’12th Fail’, while Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for her role in ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’. The Best Film award in the Hindi category went to ‘Kathal’.
Overall, the event highlighted the vibrant and diverse landscape of Indian cinema, showcasing creativity and storytelling prowess. Not only did Agarwal and Saini represent NID, but they also exemplified the potential of young filmmakers in India. Their successes inspire many aspiring artists to pursue their passion in the film industry, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in addressing critical social issues.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the recognition of new voices and fresh perspectives remains crucial. The achievements of Agarwal and Saini serve as a reminder of the power of cinema to influence, educate, and connect people across the globe. With their remarkable contributions, these filmmakers are paving the way for future generations to explore storytelling in new and impactful ways.