Vinod Ganatra Honored with Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Children’s Cinema

Mumbai– Vinod Ganatra, a highly-regarded filmmaker and editor originally from Gujarat and now based in Mumbai, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian recipient of South Africa’s prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his remarkable contributions to cinema, particularly in the realm of children’s films.

According to an official announcement made here on Tuesday, Ganatra was honored with this esteemed award during the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival, in recognition of his extensive body of work that has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema for young audiences.

The accolade adds to Ganatra’s already illustrious career, which spans over three decades and includes a total of 36 national and international awards. Among his notable recognitions are the ‘Janakinath Gaur Award’ from Doordarshan for his popular children’s program, ‘Baingan Raja’, and the ‘Liv Ullmann Peace Prize’ in Chicago for his Gujarati film, ‘Harun-Arun’.

Throughout his career, Ganatra has also been invited to serve on the jury of more than 100 national, regional, and international film festivals. His contributions extend beyond filmmaking, encompassing the editing and direction of over 400 documentaries and news reels, as well as the production of 25 multilingual television programs tailored for children and youth.

A pivotal figure in the children’s film movement, Ganatra founded the ‘Ahmedabad International Children Film Festival’ and has served on the jury of prominent events such as the Culture Cinema Film Festival (C2F2) and KidzCINEMA, an international children’s film festival based in Mumbai.

Ganatra gained international acclaim early in his career with his debut feature ‘Heda-Hoda (Blind Camel)’, followed by ‘Lukka-Chhuppi (Hide-n-Seek)’, the first children’s film entirely shot at high altitude in Ladakh. His subsequent work includes ‘Harun-Arun’, a poignant exploration set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat, which premiered at the 26th Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.

For over a decade, Ganatra has been an integral part of UNESCO’s International Centre of Films for Children & Young People, serving on its board and currently holding an honorary membership.

Ganatra expressed his gratitude for the award, highlighting the importance of cinema in shaping young minds and fostering cultural exchange. He remains committed to advancing the field of children’s cinema, advocating for its recognition and growth on both national and international stages.

Through his pioneering work and dedication, Vinod Ganatra continues to inspire audiences and filmmakers alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema and affirming his place as a trailblazer in the realm of children’s films.