FFI and PFA Unveil CINEKIND — India’s New National Award Honouring Compassion-Driven Cinema

New Delhi – 08 December 2025: In a landmark step that redefines the moral and cultural direction of Indian cinema, the Film Federation of India (FFI), in collaboration with People for Animals (PFA), proudly announces CINEKIND — a prestigious new national award dedicated to celebrating kindness, compassion, and humane storytelling on the Indian screen.

The inaugural CINEKIND Awards will take place in Kolkata on December 20, graced by the esteemed presence of Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, India’s foremost advocate for animal welfare and Chairperson of People for Animals, and Mr. Firdausul Hasan, President of the Film Federation of India.

CINEKIND stands as a powerful new milestone for the industry — one that elevates films and filmmakers who strengthen society’s conscience by championing empathy, respect for life, and ethical values through cinematic excellence.

Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi emphasised that cinema has an extraordinary ability to influence human behaviour and cultural attitudes. She expressed that CINEKIND will inspire storytellers to treat kindness not as an exception, but as a defining strength of India — motivating millions to honour compassion and dignity for all living beings.

Mr. Firdausul Hasan noted that the Film Federation of India is honoured to lead an initiative that transcends creative achievement and enters the realm of moral storytelling. He affirmed that CINEKIND will establish a new standard for Indian cinema by recognising films that uphold human values and promote a more compassionate world.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Executive Body Member of FFI and Chair of the CINEKIND Award Committee, remarked that this award embodies a meaningful shift in how the industry evaluates impact. He reiterated FFI’s dedication to highlighting narratives that uplift, heal, and unite society, adding that CINEKIND will encourage filmmakers to explore stories rooted in empathy — a vital need in today’s dynamic global environment.

With its launch, India joins a select group of nations that formally honour humanitarian values in cinema. CINEKIND aligns with global movements promoting ethics in entertainment, offering Indian cinema a renewed platform for international leadership and cultural responsibility.

The December 20 ceremony in Kolkata is set to host eminent filmmakers, cultural icons, humanitarian champions, and global observers, marking a pivotal moment in the rise of socially responsible and value-driven cinema in India.