District Magistrate and Chairman of the International Shimla Summer Festival Committee, Anupam Kashyap, stated that today’s youth are increasingly falling prey to harmful tendencies like drug addiction, especially the synthetic drug “Chitta,” which is affecting families, society, and the future. At such a time, spreading awareness through art and cinema is crucial. With this in mind, a short film competition is being organized on the theme “Back to Life.”
He stated that this competition is not merely a cultural event, but a powerful campaign to awaken society. The competition aims to encourage hope, rehabilitation, self-confidence, and a positive outlook on life among youth. Participants are invited to create inspiring and sensitive short films that effectively portray the struggles, rehabilitation, and journey of those struggling with addiction.
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap stated that students, amateur filmmakers, and professional filmmakers from across the country can participate in the competition. The maximum film length is 5 minutes, and the film must be in Hindi or English. Entries for the competition will be invited beginning June 5, 2026, and the deadline for submissions is June 10, 2026, at 7 p.m.
The competition will award a first prize of ₹100,000, a second prize of ₹50,000, and a third prize of ₹25,000, along with a trophy and certificate. Two consolation prizes will also be awarded. All participants will receive a participation certificate.
He said that participants can submit their entries via email to dcshimlafilmfest@gmail.com or at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shimla. Films can also be submitted online through a Google form.
The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the youth, film makers and creative talents to actively participate in this social campaign and said that cinema is a powerful medium to give direction to the society and this festival will play an important role in building a drug-free and aware society.
