Bhubaneswar: Prominent personalities from the film industry in Odisha held a meeting in Bhubaneswar on Monday and discussed measures required for the comprehensive development of Odia film sector.
The meeting, held at Sanskruti Bhavan under the aegis of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, aimed to address various aspects such as expanding the reach and promotion of Odia cinema, instituting regular State Film Awards and supporting stakeholders in the film ecosystem.
While stressing the need to expand the reach of Odia films in the digital age, participants at the meeting explored ways to enhance the promotion of Odia cinema, while placing a strong focus on OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms and digital content.
The meeting, presided over by renowned Odia film actor and Digapahandi MLA Sidhanta Mohapatra, saw participation from key figures in the film industry, including producers, directors, actors, actresses, writers, and musicians. Together, they discussed several strategies for Odia cinema’s evolution, emphasising the growing importance of digital platforms.
Key discussions included ensuring the annual conferment of the Odisha State Film Awards in a timely manner, the selection of jury members and chairpersons, preferably involving individuals associated with the art and film, especially youth. Proposals were also made to increase the cash prize amounts, expand the existing 33 award categories and develop a dedicated website featuring comprehensive information about nominated and award-winning films and artists.
Further discussions were held on formulating a new film policy, providing government subsidy for film production, strengthening and streamlining the function of Odisha Film Development Corporation Ltd (OFDC) and upgrading the Kalinga Studio infrastructure.
Suggestions were made to improve the foundational infrastructure for film production in the state, increase the number of cinema halls, make cinema ticket prices more affordable for the audience, establish a dedicated film archive and to make a separate platform in order to promote OTT and digital content.
The meeting also addressed the need for government support in producing films rooted in authentic Odia stories. There were suggestions for creating a sustainable ecosystem for filmmakers, including subsidies for film production and support for the transition to digital distribution channels.
The meeting was attended by prominent personalities from the Odia film industry, including actors Arindam Roy, Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahu, Pinky Pradhan, Anu Choudhury, and Harihar Mohapatra, alongside musician Debasish Mahapatra. Also present were Panchanan Nayak, former Doordarshan director, Deepti Mishra, Director of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, Bijaya Ketan Upadhyaya, Special Secretary, Deba Prasad Dash, Deputy Director Devjani Bhuyan, and Secretary of Odisha Sahitya Akademi Dr Chandrasekhar Hota.
