'Yellow', a special film for Riteish Deshmukh

Mumbai: Riteish Deshmukh, whose Marathi production "Yellow" has been selected as the opening film of the first International Film Festival for the Persons with Disabilities (IFFPD), says it is a "special film" and he is "honoured and excited" with the selection.

"'Yellow' is a special film and we are honoured and excited to be the opening film at the first international film festival for persons with disabilities. Such initiatives are important and will help spread the necessary awareness," Riteish said in a statement.

The film's director Mahesh Limaye called it a "proud moment for the entire team".

"We are honoured to be the opening film. I'm very happy for Gauri Gadgil (on whose life the story is based) who chased her dreams and they came true. She is the inspiration for all of us," he said.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), union ministry of social justice and empowerment, has collaborated with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to organise IFFPD, a unique three-day film festival for persons with disabilities. It will be held on December 1-3 at Siri Fort here.

The festival will conclude on December 3, which is also observed as the International day of Persons with Disabilities.

"Yellow" is selected among one of the eight features in the competition category and will be screened on Tuesday.