Bhubaneswar: Two films of Odia film producer Dayanidhi Dahima, ‘Antarvasna’ and ‘Sita’, have been officially selected for the 10th edition of the International Film Festival of South Asia-Toronto.
According to sources, the festival will be hosted online from August 12 to 22. The premiere of the movie ‘Antarvasna’ will be held at 7.15 pm on August 15.
Likewise, the premiere of the movie ‘Sita’ will be held at 7.15 on August 16.
Both the films are also being screened at the Court Metrage Short Film Corner at Cannes till July 16.
“It is a proud moment for me as my films are screening at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals i.e. the Court Metrage Short Film Corner at Cannes,” said Dayanidhi.
Earlier, ‘Antarvasna’ and ‘Sita’ — were nominated for Filmfare Short Film Awards 2021.
“I am thrilled to bring glory to Odisha through my films. I am very happy that all my films are getting international recognition. I have made three films in two years and all my films have been nominated for the Filmfare award. I always try to give a variation in my films,” he said.
Made under the banner of Daya Entertainment, the two short films in Hindi are by Dayanidhi and Sibashis Nayak. Abhinav is the director of both these films that were shot in Mumbai.
Sivani plays the lead role in ‘Antarvasna’. The 17-minute-long film is based on women’s desires.
Meanwhile, popular actress Shriya Pilgaonkar and actor Lilliput have played the lead characters in the movie ‘Sita’. The 19-minute-long movie is based on mythology.
Notably, the Dayanidhi-produced short Hindi film ‘Nawab’ was nominated for the Filmfare award last year. Released in 2020, ‘Nawab’ was among the top-five movies on several portals.
Dayanidhi belongs to Rajgangpur in Odisha. He moved to Mumbai to make a foray into filmmaking. He dabbled in ad films in Odisha after completing a filmmaking course from FTII, Pune. He even started a celebrity management business before entering Bollywood.
His next project is a web series, shooting of which will start soon.