HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has urged young filmmakers to use cinema to raise social awareness and inspire change through short films on climate change, water scarcity and energy conservation.
Addressing the Bathukamma Young Filmmaker Challenge Awards-2026 at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Saturday, he said young directors could influence public thinking and inspire positive change through short films on rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, water scarcity and energy conservation.
Describing Bathukamma as a symbol of Telangana’s cultural identity, unity and social values, Vikramarka said the festival’s diverse flowers represented people from different backgrounds coming together, reflecting social justice, equality and togetherness.
He said filmmakers from Telangana were increasingly making their mark in the industry, overcoming the perception that the state’s talent lacked opportunities. The government was working to establish Hyderabad as a national filmmaking hub by strengthening infrastructure and attracting leading film personalities.
Appreciating the Telangana Film Development Corporation for providing a platform through the challenge, the deputy chief minister said 29 awards were presented across categories, including short films, songs, folk songs, influencers and essays.
Urging those who did not win to remain encouraged, he stressed that awards were not the sole measure of success.
Highlighting cinema’s social responsibility, Vikramarka said climate change, rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns and the possibility of a Super El Nino could pose significant challenges in the coming years.
Vikramarka further called for greater awareness of water conservation, warning that changing rainfall patterns and increased evaporation could worsen water stress. He urged filmmakers to promote rainwater harvesting, prevent water wastage and encourage the responsible use of resources to meet the needs of people, livestock and birds.
Noting Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s interest in the arts and his educational background at a fine arts college, Vikramarka reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He urged filmmakers to address pressing social and environmental issues while helping Hyderabad emerge as a leading centre for Indian cinema.
