Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will soon unveil a new ‘Film Policy’ to boost the Odia cinema industry and protect the interests of artists.
This was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the 35th and 36th State Film Awards ceremony at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
“The state government is holding consultations with the stakeholders for the introduction of a new State Film Policy. The government is committed to promote the Odia cinema industry and safeguard the interests of artistes,” said Majhi.
Discussion was held recently with film personalities on the current status and growth of Odia cinema. The government is committed to providing technical assistance for artist protection and high-quality film production, the Chief Minister said.
Stating that Odisha became an independent state in 1936, he said the same year Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami made the first Odia film ‘Sita Bibaha’. Timeless films like Maya Miriga, Bhuka, Shesha Shravan, and Hakima Babu took Odia culture to the world stage, Majhi said.
Similarly, recent films like Daman, Pratiksha, Shala Budha, Pushkara, Bou Butu Bhoota, and Bara Badhu have given Odia cinema a new identity nationally by focusing on local stories. Majhi called this a “new sunrise for Odia cinema.”
Referring
to technology and OTT platforms, the CM said the new generation has adopted world-class standards in cinematography, sound design, and VFX.
Stressing that Kalinga Studios is emerging as a major digital and post-production hub, offering international-level training, he said Odia talents need not migrate to other states. He also urged filmmakers to develop cinema tourism based on Odisha’s natural beauty.
The Chief Minister urged sponsors to back films rooted in Odia society and culture with modern treatment, saying audiences would return to theatres. He also asked viewers to watch Odia films in halls, noting that “the livelihood of hundreds of unknown technicians, writers and poor workers is involved behind a film.”
Describing Odia cinema as a true reflection of the state’s uniqueness, Majhi said, “We all work as Team Odisha. We do not have any problem of money. Our government is ready to accept your opinion.”
The Chief Minister warned that strong action would be taken at the government level if Odia films are removed from cinema halls to release other films. “The government is fully aware of this,” he said firmly.
The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department conferred the ‘Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami Award’ for 2023 on senior actor Shyamlendu Bhattacharya and for 2024 on senior actress Namrata Das, with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each.
Awards were given to best performers in 62 categories for 2023 and 2024.
Industries Minister Sampada Chandra Swain said the Odia film industry will help grow the Orange Economy and Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute will provide skilled human resources.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said a developed Odisha will be built only when the Odia cinema world flourishes, adding that the government welcomes every artist’s opinion.
Digpahandi MLA and film star Siddhant Mohapatra, Korei MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak, and film director Pranab Das were among those present.