Berhampur: Filmmakers from Ganjam district in Odisha have brought laurels with two short films securing top honours at the REELS International Short Film Festival awards ceremony held on May 17 at Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Research Centre in Aurangabad.
The short film ‘Adamya’, produced in Hinjilicut, emerged as a major winner, clinching three prestigious awards. Director Krishna DK was honoured with the Best Short Film award, noted writer Simanchal Maharana received the Best Script accolade, and actor Vivek Kumar Dakua was recognised as Best Actor for his compelling performance. The film draws inspiration from the vibrant folk arts, traditions, and cultural heritage of Ganjam district, highlighting its rich local legacy.
In a parallel success story, another regional filmmaker, Arun Kumar Maharana, won the Best Film award for his socially relevant short film ‘Paani’.
The awards were presented in the presence of noted personalities including Miss Asia World Diamond winner Gaytri Rohankar, Miss Nepal winner Nitu Koirala, and Indian film director-editor Runa Laila.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy of the evening, students from Nrityam Kala Gabeshana Kendra in Hinjilicut, many of whom also featured in ‘Adamya’, delivered a mesmerising Odissi dance performance.
The event, part of the 6th edition of the REELS International Film Festival organised by the Film Education and Welfare Foundation in Aurangabad, saw participation from over 1,500 entries across 65 countries, including India, the USA, France, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and the UAE. An esteemed international jury comprising members such as Audrey Quoturi, Egyptian filmmaker Mahmoud Mahmoud, Portuguese producer-director Carlos Coelho Costa, and Philippines actor Geraldob Jumawan evaluated the submissions.
