24 May 2005, New Delhi

At a time when there is substantial debate in the country on the state of our forests, the rights of tribals and the status and rights of wildlife and tigers in particular, the countrys premier and only festival of environment and wildlife films, the Vatavaran film festival, has as its theme this year Forests for Life.

However, a range of environment and wildlife films are to be screened at the
festival from November 21 to 24 this year and Vatavaran Awards presented to
documentary films in eight categories. Organized by Centre for Media Studies
(CMS) and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, this will be the third Vatavaran festival to be held in Delhi.

This year more awards will be given for films in the Competitive Section, ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.50 lakhs. Awards has been instituted for films on Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Natural History, Environment, Public Service and
Messages Spots. In addition awards will be given for the best Animation Film,
Student Film as well as for the most Environmentally Conscious Broadcaster.

The last date for entries is 15 July 2005. A Jury of eminent filmmakers,
headed by Mr. Shyam Benegal, will decide the award winning entries. The number of entries to the festival has increased steadily from 100 in 2002 to 154
in 2003. The award winning entries at the festival will travel to different cities as a part of Vatavaran Travels so that more people can view the films.

To encourage young, environmentally-conscious filmmakers, CMS will also be
giving several film fellowships, each of Rs. One lakh.

The highlight of the Non Competitive Section of the festival will be best of Asian films and a Retrospective of Masters like Richard Brock and David Attenborough.

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