“We have three million blind people waiting for sight. We need to reach out to millions of people with the message of eye donation to get them sight. This is the purpose of Million Eyes International Film Festival.” said Fr George Kannanthanam, Founder and Director of Project Vision at the launch of the film festival to the students of CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala.

Film Director Jose Thomas launched the Million Eyes International Film Festival at CMS College, Kottayam on the 6th of February.The film festival conceived and organised by Project Vision, Bangalore along with Darsana Cultural Academy aims at reaching the message of eye donation to one million people through this festival. “We all have a social responsibility and film is a good form to communicate such social messages”.

“We can give sight to 30 lakh blind people in India through eye donation,” said Fr George Kannanthanam, the founder of Project Vision. But despite such great possibilities, only less than 30,000 persons donated their eyes in India and less than 1000 in Kerala.

Sibu George, the coordinator of Project Vision said that the theme of Million Eyes film festival was eye donation. The three minute duration film must inspire and motivate people to donate their eyes. It is a global competition. People from anywhere in the world can participate.

The prize money for the Million Eye competition was Rs. 100,000 for the first prize, Rs. 50,000 for the second prize and Rs. 25,000 for the third prize. The online registration for the festival was launched today. Anyone can register now online for the competition at www.theprojectvision.org/millioneyes. The last date to register for the competition is 6th April, 2018.

A jury consisting of members from various countries will evaluate the films. The short listed 15 entries will be screened at the award program.

CMS - Christian Missionary Society College is the first western style arts college in India - 200 years old. As a part of the 200 years celebration of the College, the National Service Scheme students decided to develop 200 Vision Ambassadors. They took the pledge to donate their eyes and become Vision Ambassadors, as they repeated the pledge read out to them by Fr George. They will promote the concept of eye donation among their neighbourhood and will coordinate eye donation with the bereaved family and the eye bank in the event of death. Each one of them were given a kit with the materials for eye donation.

Eleven year old Fathima Anshi, a visually challenged music prodigy was the guest of honour at the program. She is also a Vision Ambassador, promoting eye donation through the various stages she gets for her musical programs.. Project Vision adopted Fathima Anshi for her future studies. Fathima’s dream is to become an IFS officer. Fathima’s beautiful songs thrilled the audience.

Dr Roy, Principal of CMS College gave the inaugural message while Fr Justin, Director of Darsana Cultural Centre felicitated Ms Fathima Anshi for her excellence in music.