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| Second Edition of Cinekind Awards Announced in Mumbai to Celebrate Cinema with Compassion for Animals |
Mumbai, September 2026: The second edition of the prestigious Cinekind Awards was officially announced in Mumbai, bringing together the worlds of cinema, animal welfare, and social responsibility on a common platform.
The initiative, supported by the Film Federation of India (FFI) and People for Animals (PFA), aims to recognise and encourage filmmakers, artistes, producers and creative professionals who have contributed towards promoting compassion, kindness and responsible treatment of animals through the powerful medium of cinema.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Founder of People for Animals, emphasised the important role of the creative community in creating greater sensitivity towards animals. She said that cinema has the extraordinary power to influence society and inspire people to develop empathy and respect for all living beings.
Shri Abhay Sinha, President, Film Federation of India, said that the film industry has a tremendous responsibility to use its reach and influence for positive social change. He welcomed the Cinekind initiative as an important platform connecting the creative fraternity with the cause of animal welfare.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Vice President, Film Federation of India and Chair of the Cinekind Awards Committee, said that cinema is not merely entertainment but a powerful instrument of education, awareness and transformation.
“Cinekind is a celebration of the human values of compassion, kindness and coexistence. When cinema communicates with the heart, it can change attitudes, inspire communities and create a more sensitive society. We want Cinekind to become an international movement where the creative world joins hands for the welfare and protection of animals.”
Dr. Marwah further emphasised that the second edition of Cinekind would strengthen the partnership between the film fraternity and organisations working for animal welfare, creating greater awareness about responsible filmmaking and humane treatment of animals.
The announcement witnessed the presence of prominent members of the film fraternity, media, animal welfare community and social sector. The initiative is expected to generate wider national and international participation and establish Cinekind as a distinctive platform where cinema meets compassion.
The Cinekind Awards seek to honour individuals and creative works that demonstrate sensitivity towards animals and contribute to building a culture of empathy, responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
With the second edition, Cinekind is poised to grow beyond an awards platform into a larger global movement—using the universal language of cinema to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
