MUMBAI: The Network18 Group, in association with the Department of Social Communications Media (DSCM) at Mumbai's Sophia Polytechnic, organised the second edition of the Network18 Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking.

This year, the honour went to a team of ten girls from DSCM for Dus Nau Aath Karlo Baat, a documentary featuring the work of Childline India Foundation, an organisation that supports the rights of children.

Sponsored by Network18, the award is initiated by the group's creative wing The Cell and carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000. Moreover, the winning group will get a chance to have their documentary aired on CNBC TV 18 on the show Through the Looking Glass along with their interview.

Network18's managing editor Senthil Chengalvarayan, who was the chief guest at the event, gave away the prizes.

"A documentary like Dus Nau Aath Karlo testifies to the filmmakers' power of observation, and ability to empathise with and care for fellow humans. Hats off to the makers of the film," said Chengalvarayan.

Network18's network creative director Zubin Driver said, "Students are not encouraged to make documentaries in our country. Fortunately, through this initiative by The Cell, we will be able to encourage as well as provide a much-needed boost to documentary filmmakers."

The elated winning team said, "We can't believe that we finally did it. It's overwhelming to be selected from such a talented group of entries."

Driver also added that "the art of documentation is important," and hence, "winning or losing in this space is irrelevant."

To promote the award, Network18 had launched a poster campaign across various venues in the city, including art galleries, college campuses, cafes and other public places.