IANS

New Delhi, Sep 1: Aimed at highlighting the common man's struggles and the role of Right to Information (RTI) in bringing a change in his life, an International RTI Film Festival (IRFF) is being organised by a team of NGOs and civil society groups here next month.

"The films made on RTI have played a major role in spreading awareness about its importance and usage among people. This usage of Right to Information and its effect on the life of the common man has been beautifully taken up by various filmmakers," Neeraj Kumar of Kabir, an NGO, told IANS Tuesday.

"The main motive of this film festival is to bring all such films (dealing with work done in the direction of achieving a transparent system) in front of public and to make them realise that the crying need of the hour is not to complain but to act," he said.

"We plan to carry it forward to other major cities of the country. We are working on a plan for Lucknow, Bhubaneswar and Bhopal," Kumar further said.

The films will be selected by a screening committee comprising of Chief of Central Information Commission Wajahat Habibullah, Orissa Information Commissioner Jagadananda (one name), Magsaysay award winner RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and others.

"The films could be on RTI and on issues like self-governance, transparency and accountability. The entries can include the success stories, grassroots initiatives, community efforts, issues and solutions," Kumar added.

The films will be accepted in two categories - approx 10 minutes and 30 minutes. The last date for submission of films and entry forms is Sep 15.

IRFF, to be held Oct 7-11, is being organised by Kabir, Parivartan, Public Cause Research Foundation, Akhil Bharatiya Samaj Seva Sansthan, Haryana RTI manch, West Bengal RTI manch, Bihar RTI Manch, Centre for Youth and Social Development and DEHAT.

The festival will also have an exhibition on RTI.

"Anyone interested in being a part of the festival can log on at www.rtifilmfestival.blogspot.com for further information," he said.