Member of acclaimed jury
ACCLAIMED actress-filmmaker Nandita Das, pictured, was among the jury members of the 2018 edition of the Unesco-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.
Nandita, who is working towards the India release of her film Manto, found it rejuvenating to get this invite to participate in a meaningful initiative.
“Having been on many film juries, right from 2005 when I was on the main jury at the Cannes Film Festival, I have always enjoyed the deliberation process.
“One gets to know different perspectives that reflect different experiences and contexts,” Nandita said.
In recognition of a lifelong devotion to communal harmony and peace, the prize bears the name of its benefactor, Madanjeet Singh, who was a Unesco Goodwill Ambassador, Indian artist, writer and diplomat. It is awarded every two years, on International Day for Tolerance, on November
16. The prize is marked by a ceremony and the winner gets $100 000 (about R1.35 million). For Nandita, this was the second time she was on a jury for a social impact initiative.
“One gets to meet and read about people who are doing incredible work around the world. Having been caught up with Manto, it was actually refreshing and brought back a certain sense of hope.”
Celebrating its 22th anniversary and its 11th edition this year, the prize rewards significant activities in scientific, artistic, cultural and communications fields, aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and nonviolence, according to the Unesco website. – IANS