BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Indian Space Dreams | Scientists at Mumbai's Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have been working since 2001 to build and launch Astrosat. If successful, it will allow astronomers to study black holes as never before and get closer to understanding how our universe is formed. But as things start to go wrong, they soon discover the enormity of the challenge they have taken on. Filmed over 5 years, we follow these astronomers on this 'topsy-turvy ride' to space. Vinita, working in the telescope team, is more excited about her lab work than about the prospect of an arranged marriage. When he's not building Astrosat, Professor Rao visits Geeta Nagar, the slum next door, where children like Sandhya, inspired by the rocket launch, dream of a better life. The stakes are big for everyone - but so are the obstacles in a country constantly struggling against the odds. As countdown to launch approaches will their 15 years of hard work pay off?

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

Terror and Hope: The Science of Resilience | In Syria alone, it’s estimated that more than 8 million children are suffering from the unrelenting and brutal war. Parents or siblings dead, homes lost, starvation, insufficient medical care and catastrophic injuries. It’s no wonder that many boys choose the perceived dignity of fighting for ISIS or a militia over the uncertain future of a refugee. For girls, an early marriage offers financial relief for their family and a sense of security in a terrifying world. The stability and health of the family is compromised as husbands and fathers are lost to war and the family forced to relocate and live for years or even decades in a refugee camp. Terror and Hope offers a unique window into the impact of war on children through the pioneering work of an international team of scientists and humanitarians. Our film follows researchers from Yale, Harvard and Hashemite Universities as they investigate the impact of toxic stress on young refugees fleeing the brutal Syrian civil war. As our cameras join them in their research in Jordan's refugee camps and communities, we witness the role that science is playing to mitigate one of our planet's most intractable social problems – the forced displacement of entire populations due to war and famine. The film also explores issues not normally associated with scientific research, including the role of love and compassion in the practice of science. Due to the innovative work of these dedicated researchers and aid workers, there is hope for the future of children scarred by war.