Ganjam: At a time when coronavirus was spreading its tentacles thick and fast in Odisha, a team from Kukudakhandi area in Ganjam district led by local BDO came up with a short movie 'Corona Tu Pherija' (Go Back Corona) to raise awareness on the lethal disease and its likely impact on the humans. The Odia film which was screened last month at the Covid-19 International Tribal Film Festival 2020 has been rewarded with the 'Best Story' and 'Best Regional Film' awards.
This has not only brought laurels to the district administration, but the concept of the film also received appreciation from across the globe.
The story was penned by Kukudakhandi BDO Gadadhar Patra and produced by his better half Susmita Patra. BDO Gadadhar Patra, Madhusudan Mishra and Smruti Ranjan Patnaik played the major characters in the 13-minute-long film. Mishra is currently posted as Physical Education Teacher at the Kukudakhandi Adarsha Vidyalaya.
The festival organised by Orifarming India and JBS entertainment & education corporation was based on the topic "Resurrection and sustainability of tribal culture & rituals in this Covid-19 times". Hugely motivated with this idea in the aftermath of the pandemic, filmmakers/participants from as many as 36 countries came up with story concepts and shot films of 3-15 minutes duration. As anticipated, close to 450 short movies were screened at the festival planned online in view of Covid outbreak.
No wonder, the team of 'Corona Tu Pherija' looked ecstatic after staying ahead of many national and international participants.
"This short film is completely based on Covid-19 crisis to create awareness among the people on the causes of virus attack and the precautionary measures that will help all keep coronavirus at bay," said film director Stitadhi Rath.
"Many national and international films were shortlisted, and the jury has selected our film as the Best Regional Film and Best Story among all the concepts. The team and all people in Ganjam associated with it directly or indirectly are overjoyed. We are happy that the message has reached out to people," expressed the local BDO and the scriptwriter.
https://youtu.be/40VA3uXqtyA