IIM A professor's documentary on organ donation wins National Film Award
The documentary, God, Vultures and Human, produced by IIMA Professor Rajesh Chandwani, co-produced with Studio Lichi and directed by Rishiraj Agarwal, highlights the critical role of the Organ Transplant Coordinators (OTCs) during the process of organ donation and transplantation in India. The documentary premiered at the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation Conference 2024 (ISOT 2024) in Ahmedabad and has since been selected for screenings at both national and international festivals, including the Dokubaku International Documentary Film Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. Reacting to the award, Professor Chandwani, faculty member in the Human Resources Management Area and Co-Chairperson of Centre for Management of Health Services at IIMA said: 'I feel both humbled and proud to see our film receive the National Award for Best Documentary'.
'This recognition is a tribute to the tireless efforts of Organ Transplant Coordinators across India and the emotional journeys they undertake. I am deeply grateful to have been associated with this cause. I hope the film continues to inspire by placing hope within grief and revealing the quiet miracle of life within the shadow of death,' Chandwani said.
The film, made in collaboration with Chennai-based NGO Mohan Foundation, uses intimate storytelling and real-life accounts to portray the emotional and logistical challenges faced by OTCs, said people familiar with the development. It shows how these professionals operate as 'critical links between donor families, hospitals, police, and forensic teams, coordinating transplants while navigating grief, anger, and ethical dilemmas,' said the people. The filmmakers hope that the documentary raises awareness about the 'complexities of organ transplantation' as well as 'honours the selfless work of OTCs who give the gift of life every day'.
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