India will be holding the first international film festival for persons with disabilities in the Capital from December 1 to 3.

A total of 40 films (10 feature films, 16 short films and14 documentaries) will be screened during the three-day festival, Lov Verma, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, said here on Monday.

Verma said the festival will showcase films that “open our world to their mind space, and sensitise us on issues relating to disabilities.”

Global experience The 40 films have been selected out of 541 entries received from India and abroad.

These are by and about people with disabilities, which explore their lives and encourage discussion on the diversity of human experience.

The festival will conclude on December 3, which is commemorated as International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an official statement said.

“We are trying to touch upon the problems faced by persons with disabilities, their never-say-die spirit and also how they overcome challenges that are thrown at them on a daily basis…. There will also be discussions on similar issues and it is our firm belief that it will bring awareness and changes in mindset,” Verma said at a press conference.

According to the statement, the Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry is organising such a festival for the first time, along with the National Film Development Corporation.

A workshop on film direction and screen writing, among others, for children will also be held on the occasion, it added.

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