Emphasizing innovation and inclusivity, the meeting highlighted the state’s dedication to supporting both established and emerging talent within the Odia film sector
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Odia film industry, a dynamic cornerstone of Odisha’s cultural legacy, was highlighted during a prestigious meeting organized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture at the Sanskruti Bhawan conference hall in Bhubaneswar. Led by the esteemed actor and Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mahapatra, this gathering united filmmakers, directors, actors, writers, musicians, and various stakeholders to explore strategies for the holistic advancement, promotion and international reach of Odia cinema.
The agenda was comprehensive, addressing key topics such as the annual presentation of the Odisha State Film Awards, advancements in infrastructure, policy enhancements,and the incorporation of digital platforms to extend the industry’s influence. Emphasizing innovation and inclusivity, the meeting highlighted the state’s dedication to supporting both established and emerging talent within the Odia film sector.
A considerable part of the discussion focused on overhauling the Odisha State Film Awards, which celebrate excellence in 33 categories. Stakeholders advocated for the awards to be presented annually without exception, accompanied by a clear and transparent selection process. Recommendations included broadening the jury to include young art enthusiasts and professionals from the creative sector, raising the prize amounts, and adding new award categories to recognize a wider range of contributions.
To improve accessibility and transparency, it was suggested to establish a dedicated website for the awards. This site would act as a thorough resource, outlining the criteria for awards, listing nominated and winning films, and showcasing profiles of honored artists. This initiative is anticipated to enhance the awards’ prestige and encourage increased public interest in Odia cinema.
The development of a new Film Policy was highlighted as a fundamental aspect of the discussions. This policy is designed to create a solid framework for the sustainable advancement of the industry, tackling issues such as funding, distribution, and market access. Stakeholders advocated for government-supported financial incentives to assist filmmakers, especially those creating works that reflect Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
The Odisha Film Development Corporation Limited (OFDC) was recognized as a vital entity that needs fortification. Suggestions included optimizing its operations to improve accessibility for filmmakers and broadening its role in aiding production and promotion. Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the modernization of the renowned Kalinga Studio to convert it into a cutting-edge facility for film production.
To enhance the industry’s infrastructure, the meeting highlighted the importance of expanding the number of cinema halls throughout the state and maintaining affordable ticket prices for viewers. Additionally, the creation of a dedicated film archive was suggested to safeguard Odisha’s cinematic heritage for future generations. Recognizing the increasing impact of digital platforms, stakeholders called for specific measures to support Odia content on OTT platforms and other digital channels. This encompasses incentives for filmmakers to produce high-quality digital works and partnerships with streaming services to present Odia films to an international audience.
The meeting underscored the significance of attracting young talent and audiences to ensure the industry’s continued growth. By including youth in the award jury and promoting films that reflect current social issues, the industry seeks to maintain its relevance and vibrancy. Furthermore, stakeholders stressed the need to produce films rooted in genuine Odia narratives to engage viewers and enhance cultural identity.
The gathering featured significant involvement from key personalities in Odia cinema, such as actors Arindam Roy, Sritam Das, Sabyasachi Mishra, and Harihar Mahapatra, along with actresses Archita Sahu, Pinky Pradhan, and Anu Choudhury. Music composers Debashish Mahapatra and Panchanan Nayak, as well as former Doordarshan director Deepti Mishra, provided important perspectives. Government representatives, including Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Director of the Culture Department, Special Secretary Deba Prasad Dash, Deputy Director Debayani Bhuyan, and Odisha Sahitya Akademi Secretary Chandrasekhar Hota, were also present, fostering a cooperative relationship between the film industry and the government.
In his concluding remarks, Siddhant Mahapatra conveyed a hopeful outlook for the future of Odia cinema, stating, “This meeting signifies a pivotal moment for our industry. Through united efforts and governmental backing, we can advance Odia films to unprecedented levels, both nationally and internationally.”
The meeting represents a revitalized dedication to evolving the Odia film industry into a vibrant, inclusive, and internationally competitive field.
By tackling systemic issues, encouraging innovation, and honoring artistic brilliance, Odisha is ready to restore its reputation as a center of cinematic creativity. As the suggested initiatives develop, the state’s film industry is prepared to illuminate the screen, enchanting viewers with narratives that embody the essence of Odisha.
