BYOFF In Odisha’s Puri: Independent Filmmakers To Showcase Work Next Week

Puri: Independent filmmakers from all over the country will get a platform to showcase their work at the Bring Your Own Film Festival (BYOFF) next week in Puri.

The 20th edition of BYOFF will be held at Puri’s Pink House Hotel from February 21 to 25.

Besides films, the festival will feature other events like dance performances, music and poetry readings.

No advance registration is required. Anyone who wishes to give a presentation or performance, can register on the spot.

Since its inception in 2004, BYOFF has screened around 2500-3000 films.

The festival aims to provide every filmmaker a platform from which to promote his or her film to a wider audience.

“In contrast to other film festivals which are curated, there is no selection of films that are screened and no award given to any filmmaker,” national award-winning filmmaker Susant Misra, one of the festival’s organisers, told Odisha Bytes.

It’s an artistic space for talented people to present their thoughts and ideas. And since it is a democratic platform, there are no restrictions on the performers.

“Due to easy and simple process, filmmakers from all over the country including Kerala, West Bengal, Maharastra, and Northeastern states participate in this film festival,” Susant added.

The filmmaker also informed that BYOFF doesn’t have a sponsor, it’s funded by the filmmakers themselves.

“The team has remained the same.. from the venue to the tent house that sets up the stage and screen.. they are all the same since the beginning. Many of the businesses that contribute to the event even give discounts to the organisers because they consider it to be their own,” he added.