Children’s Short Film Fest Kallola-2021 Takes Off In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The 7th season of Kallola, a short film festival of children, on the theme of “Period Talks & Menstrual Health & Hygiene” took off here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, actress and ambassador of Red Dot Campaign initiated by UNICEF Archita Sahu said, “Kallola has showcased different topics. I was reluctant to share the topic with anyone. The problem which our generation has faced should not be faced by next generation. This is the best platform where the issue can be raised.”

Dr Monika O Nielsen, chief, UNICEF Odisha said, “The theme of “Periods Talk and Menstrual Hygiene Management will give a platform to reach out to wider audiences and reduce the silence around periods. Through Kallola, we will be seeing children and adolescents directly participate in expressing their ideas into films.”

“This is not just a womanly topic and involvement of man is significant in taking this discourse. This is a very integrated part of life and cannot be omitted,” Shipra Saxena said. Ananta Mahapatra, chair jury, Kallola; Subas Das, resource person of Kallola 2021 and Sneha Mishra, secretary, Aaina also spoke.

Kallola 2021 will focus on creativity of children and produce short films (30, 60 and 90 seconds) for the children on this year’s theme. It is organised by UNICEF Odisha in collaboration with Aaina, an Odisha-based voluntary organisation.

The event also hosted Ranjan Panda, Youth4Water; Nitya Jacob, SuSanA; Shiny Saha, IRC who had joined virtually. The festival this year is in collaboration with the Youth4Water, SuSanA, IRC, and OMHH Alliance.