An India post-graduate student at the London Film School has bagged the first prize in the 2006 Commonwealth Vision Awards, set up to promote excellence in filmmaking across the Commonwealth.
Avantika Hari received the award for her film Hat Day, from the Earl of Wessex on Friday night at a gala ceremony held at the Royal Commonwealth Society in London attended by a host of guests from the world of diplomacy, politics and business.
Avantika's film centres on the events that take place during Hat Day at a London school.
Another Indian, Merajur Rahman Baruah, who has over 20 years experience in film production and direction, won Commended prize for his entry Beyond the Zero Line.
Baruah's Beyond the Zero Line, tries to portray Wagah, the border between India and Pakistan as a symbol of acceptance, reconciliation and healing. Esther Jones, Delores Sandiford and Robert Sandiford from Barbados also won Commended award for their joint entry 'The Commonwealth - Respecting Difference, Promoting Understanding,' the organizers said in release on Saturday.
Four other short-listed entries came from Ghana, Nigeria and the Fiji Islands.
"This is more than a competition for talented young film-makers. It is also a way of expanding the reach of the Commonwealth and the impact of its message -- for millions and millions will see these films in the course of 2007," Stuart Mole, Director General of the Royal Commonwealth Society said.
Launched by television presenter Sir Trevor McDonald and former Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emeka Anyaoku in May 2001, the Commonwealth Vision Awards seek to promote excellence in filmmaking across the Commonwealth and attracted entrants from every quarter of the Association's wide reach and diverse breadth.
