Ojaswwee Sharma was bestowed with the ‘Rajat Kamal’, Special Jury Award, for ‘Admitted’ by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at the 68th National Film Awards Ceremony by Government of India.
The winners of the 68th National Film Awards – NFA were declared on 22 July 2022 by the Directorate of Film Festivals, and the awards were presented on 30 September 2022 at the ceremony in New Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan to honor the best films of 2020 in Indian cinema.
Ojaswwee Sharma on Admitted’s National Award win: “The recognition brings huge responsibility along with validation”
Elaborating further on the occasion and on his forthcoming films, Ojaswwee Sharma highlighted that:
“It is a beautiful feeling that comes through the apex validation and my endeavor would always be to bring forth stories that shall evoke a sense of morality and responsibility among viewers towards unseemingly ordinary things in the society. It is overwhelming to see Admitted get such recognition, respect, and honor from not only the audience but an esteemed jury of the 68th National Film Awards. I am overjoyed by the appreciation and I thank the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for bestowing upon me this award, ensuring that stories of all formats and genres find their space in films.”
He further adds that “India as a nation is extremely diverse where people from all genders, ethnicity, orientation, religious beliefs with versatile interests reside together. There are innumerable issues in the country, whose discussions and solutions can certainly be brought up through films, which have a major edge to be seen by a large segment of the population. Films hold the power to be meaningful along with being entertaining. We have worked hard over the years to ensure that a balance of all is maintained in our films and the films are gradually being seen by all age groups, worldwide, because of the strengthened distribution networks and the internet, which have made such films accessible.”
Ojaswwee Sharma received the ‘Rajat Kamal’ as the Special Jury Award in the Non-Feature Category of the 68th National film Awards, making it even more special for him as it has been given in the year when India marks its 75 years celebrations.
Ojaswwee is currently filming his next ‘Rabb Di Awaaz’ in Chandigarh, which would bring forth a new community voice into the mainstream. The film is slated for December ‘22 or January ‘23 release.
Admitted, which is a biographical feature documentary has been produced by Pinaka Mediaworks and released by Rolling Frames Entertainment Digital worldwide.
Sh. Anurag Thakur – Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Sh Apurva Chandra – Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, and Dr. L Murugan – Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting were also present during the ceremony held today in New Delhi.
Official Statement from Pinaka Mediaworks:
The most common perception of the term ‘Films’ is mere entertainment. At Pinaka Mediaworks, we believe that ‘Films’ go beyond just entertainment, and this recognition validates our efforts in producing such films. We continue with our goal to make films that are thought-provoking.
Admitted’s Journey & Recognition:
Prior to the NFA Ceremony, ‘Admitted’ won the ‘Best National Documentary’ at Mumbai International Film Festival 2022 by Films Division – Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. Of India.
Along with the National Film Award, ‘Admitted’ has 14 Official Selections and 3 Major Wins for Critics Choice Best Documentary at the film festivals to date.
The filming of Admitted began in December 2017 and concluded in 2018. Admitted was supposed to be released in theatres in March 2020, but was finally released on the internet on 13th June 2020 by Rolling Frames Entertainment.
The film, after much widespread acclaim, continues to travel the film festivals across the globe.
A look into Ojaswwee Sharma’s career journey:
In a career span of more than a decade, Ojaswwee’s films have touched upon uncovering diverse subject matters such as gender diversity and inclusion, culture awareness through Sikhlens initiatives, humanitarian initiatives, healthcare, education, environment and sustainability, crime and legal awareness, social awareness, farmers emotion, old age, women empowerment, the evolutionary impact of social media and stories transpiring from historical events.
His notable film titles include -‘Zubaan’, ‘The Last Date’, ‘Badalti Soch’, ‘Chaurassi’, ‘Scars – That Remain After 100 Years of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’, ‘Kites Beyond Boundaries’, ‘Silver Lining’, ‘One Beat’, ‘Art Finds Its Way’ and ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’, amongst others. His repertoire of work includes more than 90 films and programs, with 630+ videos, his work acknowledged with 20 awards and 85 Official Selections across film festivals globally.
Ojaswwee’s work in films for impact and change has been recognized by Sikhlens, USA and the Media Federation of India in 2022 and the Public Relations Council of India in 2021 for instilling pride in the community through filming thought-provoking, realistic, and socially relevant films and showcasing them through public events and film festivals.
About Admitted:
‘Admitted’, a feature documentary, explores the largest case of Transgender Education in a mainstream public university in North India, further highlighting the 1st public washroom for transgenders in a public university, and the development of Transgender Rights, Education, and acceptance of mainstream pre and post the historic NALSA Judgement of 2014 of adding 3rd Gender to India.
Admitted is a biographical docudrama on the life of Dhananjay Chauhan – the first transgender student of Panjab University – her life journey with a thrust on education along with gender identification, dilemmas, and expression in personal life and the LGBTQIA+ diaspora.
