A documentary film produced by a faculty member of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), Professor Rajesh Chandwani, has won the Best Documentary Film award at the 71st National Film Awards for the year 2023. The documentary film, ‘God, Vultures and Human’, is produced by Professor Rajesh Chandwani and Studio Lichi, and directed by Rishiraj Agarwal. The film is a powerful tribute to the often-overlooked role of Organ Transplant Coordinators (OTCs) in the emotionally challenging process of organ donation and transplantation in India.
Professor Chandwani is a faculty member in the Human Resources Management Area and Co-Chairperson of Centre for Management of Health Services at IIMA. His research lies at the intersection of healthcare management, Human Resource Management and Information Technology.
Sharing his thoughts on the recognition, Professor Chandwani shared, “I feel both humbled and proud to see our film “God, Vultures and Human” receive the National Award for Best Documentary. This recognition is a tribute to the tireless efforts of Organ Transplant Coordinators across India and the emotional journeys they undertake. I am deeply grateful to have been associated with this cause. I hope the film continues to inspire by placing hope within grief and revealing the quiet miracle of life within the shadow of death.”
The film was premiered at the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation Conference 2024 (ISOT 2024) in Ahmedabad and has been selected for screening at several prestigious Indian and international film festivals, including the Dokubaku International Documentary Film Festival (IDFF) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
About the film:
‘God, Vultures and Human’ offers a heartfelt exploration of the vital and often under-recognised role of OTCs in the journey of organ donation and transplantation. Through intimate narratives and candid portrayals, it sheds light on the multifaceted lives of OTCs—individuals who serve as the crucial link between life and death, hope and grief. The film humanises these professionals, illustrating their unique ability to embody multiple identities: as life-givers to recipients, sources of comfort and hope to families, and dedicated managers coordinating a complex web of stakeholders including police, forensic teams, hospitals, and donor and recipient families.
The documentary was created in collaboration with the Mohan Foundation, an NGO based in Chennai dedicated to organ donation and transplantation training. The film captures the simultaneous roles of OTCs—being revered by families as ‘God’s messengers,’ while also navigating moments of anger and grief from donor families, who often struggle with acceptance and loss. It highlights the demanding balancing act of their personal and professional lives, as they grapple with the intense pressure of their responsibilities and the emotional toll it takes. Occasionally, OTCs even find themselves facing frustration and anger from some donor families.
Through this recognition, the team hopes that the film raises awareness about the complexities and humanity of organ transplantation as well as honours the selfless work of OTCs who give the gift of life every day.