Bhubaneswar, July 25: Kallola, a short film contest on child rights, was organised today in the city to create mass awareness on the issue through the medium of cinema.

The first-of-its-kind contest in the state, organised by Unicef in association with Aaina, an Odisha-based voluntary organisation, aims to sensitise children, parents, teachers and the society on child rights and their importance in our times.

Selected films will be screened on various platforms, including the social media, to reach a larger audience and generate discussion and debate on the issue.

The contest invites film entries in 30, 60 and 90 seconds-duration categories on the theme - Ending Violence against Children.

Unicef chief (Odisha field office) Yumi Bae said: "We want to offer an opportunity to individuals, the government and organisations concerned about child rights to come together. We know that to bring about any change, the soch badlo or change your attitude message towards any violation of child rights has to reach and be understood by all strata of people."

She added: "We hope that the short film contest will remind us of the inviolable human rights that each and every child is born with and the responsibility that each of us have in ensuring that no child is denied of his or her basic rights."

"The contest is open to everyone - professional filmmakers, film students, amateurs or anyone with a good idea and filmmaking skills. Interested participants can log onto www.aaina.org.in for information on the contest, themes, rules and the entry form. The last date of receiving entries is October 5," said Sneha Mishra, secretary of Aaina.

As part of the non-competitive section of the contest, selected children from Utkal Bal Ashrams, under the Odisha State Child Protection Society, will be trained and encouraged to express their views through short films.

Kasturi Mohapatra, chairperson, Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said: "Let's commit to stop all forms of violence against children. Nothing is harder than changing the attitude of people on this issue. We know a lot of effort is required, generating awareness through short films will contribute to make Odisha a safe and secure place for children."