Syllabus: 

GS1: Indian culture - the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 

Context: Recently, Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the winners of the 71st National Film Awards, honouring movies released in 2023.

Key Awards in Non-Feature Films Section

• Best Non-Feature Film: Flowering Man 
• Best Debut Film of a Director: Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw
• Best Documentary: God Vulture and Human 
• Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values: The Silent Epidemic
• Best Direction: The First Film 
• Best Cinematography: Little Wings

Key Awards in Feature Films Section

• Best Feature Film: 12th Fail 
• Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail). 
• Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway). 
• Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar.
• Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
• Best Children's Film: Naal 2

About the Awards 

• The National Film Awards were established in 1954, when the awards were given for the films of the year 1953.
• The awards have been administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, since 1973. 
• The awards were initially called ‘State Awards’ and two President’s Gold Medals, two certificates of merit, and 12 silver medals for regional films were presented in the earlier years.
• The Film Enquiry Committee (established in 1949), which recommended the institution of the State Awards, also suggested that Regional Awards for feature films should be given in the following years. 
• Categories: The National Film Awards are given in the following sections:
  Feature Films
  Non-Feature Films
  Best Writing in Cinema
  Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Only those persons whose names are on the credit titles of the film and are normally residing and working in India will be eligible for the Awards. In the case of co-productions involving a foreign entity, then they should fulfil the conditions put down by the ministry.
• Film professionals & technicians of foreign origin can also be considered for Awards.
• The film should have been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 1st January and 31st December of the respective year.
• Films made in any Indian language shot in digital/video format and as a feature film or fiction above 72 mins. duration, are eligible for the Feature Film Section.
• Films made in any Indian language shot in digital video format and as a Documentary/News reel/non-fiction/short fiction are eligible for the Non-Feature Film Section.
• All films must carry English subtitles and date of CBFC Certification.
• A maximum of seven (7) entries would be allowed from individuals, producers, production units, government organizations, companies.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honour in Indian cinema, presented annually for lifetime contribution to the film industry. 
• It was established in 1969 by the Indian government and is named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the pioneer of Indian cinema known as the "Father of Indian Cinema". 
• The award recognizes individuals who have significantly shaped Indian filmmaking.
• The Award shall consist of a Swarna Kamal, a cash Prize of Rupees Fifteen Lakh and a shawl.

Sources:

https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-12/71st_nfa-2023-regulation-english.pdf https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/71st-national-film-awards-south-winners-list-actors-urvashi-vijayaraghavan-and-ms-bhaskar-hanuman-10163994/ https://www.newsonair.gov.in/71st-national-film-awards-announced-shah-rukh-massey-win-best-actor-rani-mukherjee-best-actress/