Sona Mohapatra’s Documentary To Be Screened At International Festival In Toronto

Mumbai: Odisha-born singer Sona Mohapatra’s documentary ‘Shut Up Sona’ will be screened at the world’s biggest documentary film festival, 2020 Hot Docs Festival in Toronto.

In view of the global coronavirus pandemic, the Festival authorities have decided to celebrate the spirit of movie making and filmmakers through multi-platform ‘festival-at-home’. The 2020 Hot Docs Festival kicks off on May 28.

‘Shut Up Sona’ is the only Indian film which will be screened at this prestigious international festival.

Helmed by Deepti Gupta, the documentary is a story of every woman who wants to stand for equality in today’s society.

The film revolves around the journey of Sona Mohapatra and her relentless fight for a voice. The 85-minute documentary depicts Sona’s unapologetic personality beautifully.

“With the world locked down and going through anxious times, music, storytelling, cinema and art play an even more important role in helping us get back on our feet as a society,” says Sona.

“I am grateful that Shut Up Sona will find an entirely new audience in another part of the world through the Hot Docs Festival. I couldn’t have imagined that our film would be selected in these top festivals of the world when we were making it. That it is a universal story finding resonance across the globe validates my journey as an artist who has never felt restricted to being just a singer. I carry my country, its art, its present and its history within me. In telling my story, I hope to connect the disparate dots within my culture to build a narrative that portrays a more nuanced view of the hopes and aspirations of India,” she added.

The documentary was premiered at MAMI in 2019 and won a critics guild award. It was also screened at the Rotterdam Festival, Goteborg Festival and at Docs Award.