*The International Toilet festival 3.0 is an advocacy program curated by Greater Chennai corporation in collaboration with WASH Lab, Recycle bin and Cheer. The festival aims to serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and awareness-building around urban sanitation.*

As part of the festival, a screening of short listed entries of One-Minute Short Film

Competition titled "Once in a Loo" was held on 30 June 2025 , at Alliance Française of Madras , from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM . The short film competition was curated Mastering campus careers.

The competition call was floated on 6 June 2025 , and within just two weeks, over 750

entries poured in from across the country. Filmmakers creatively explored diverse themes using toilets as a narrative setting.

Out of these, 34 films were shortlisted and screened to a full-house audience. The films

covered a range of narratives—including patriarchy and gender inequality in sanitation, caste-based discrimination, mental health, self-expression, and speculations on the future of sanitation.

The jury panel included:

● Thiagarajan Kumararaja – Film Director & Screenwriter

● Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi – Film Director

● Yuga Bharathi – Poet & Lyricist

Each film was assessed by the panel of judges, followed by a moderated discussion led by Shan, director of Bommai Nayagi . The session engaged with a diverse range of critical issues. 

In times where humans are advancing space exploration, sanitation remains an unresolved challenge to mankind. The discussion explored themes such as the gender politics of toilets, the reimagination of sanitation systems, and issues of accessibility. The judges commended the filmmakers for their commendable efforts, particularly noting their ability to effectively convey complex content within the constraints of limited time.At the conclusion of the event, three winners were announced:

First winner: Sandazte by Pranathi Sompalle 

Second winner: Veliki by Anand M J

Third winner: Mural by Amar Keerthi

The first prize winner was awarded a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 . Additionally, all three

winners will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to Tyler Durden and Kino Fists

Production House (TDKF)