Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cinema's power: 1972 film fought organ donation myths.
Cinema's power: 1972 film fought organ donation myths.
12 Aug
Summary
- A 1972 film challenged organ donation taboos.
- The film won a National Award in 1974.
- It featured a narrative about donating a deceased boy's eyes.
In 1972, filmmaker Dhiru Mistry produced a 17-minute film titled 'Saath Kuch Na Jayega' to challenge widespread myths about organ donation. This film aimed to educate the public on the importance of organ donation, a concept then burdened by fear and superstition, such as believing one would be born blind in the next life if eyes were donated.
Mistry's film depicted a young boy's accidental death and his parents' decision to donate his eyes, showcasing the transformative impact of such a gift. The film's narrative climax featured the deceased boy's voice assuring his mother she could still see her through another's eyes. This sensitive portrayal, despite challenges in filming the eye-removal process, resonated widely.
The film received a National Award in 1974 for 'Best educational and instructional film' from then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. Its impact extended beyond the award, with screenings across India, contributing significantly to normalizing organ donation discussions and practices.
