Film festival on arts in Odisha to begin from January 16

Bhubaneswar: With the focus on "Making of Art: The Process", the JD Centre of Art's (JDCA), the 9th National Film Festival on Arts and Artists will begin here from January 16.

During the three-day festival, about 35 films will be screened from a selection of over 100 entries. "Along with the screening of the films, workshops, seminars, exhibitions that showcase handlooms, handicrafts and cuisines of Odisha are organised to make the experience more wholesome," said Birendra Das, a trustee member who is also the festival director.

This year's line-up includes eminent personalities like award winning film maker Gautam Ghosh, founder of Cinemaya and Osian Film Festival Aruna Vasudev, award winning animator and film maker, Gitnjali Rao, head of Indian Institute of Mass Communication and former head of NFDC, Sunit Tandon, documentary filmmakers Nandan Saxena and Kabita Behl and eminent actor, director and a JDCA trustee, Nandita Das said.

"I started this festival to recreate an awareness and love for the arts in the state that historically has been rich in art and aesthetic. While it has not been an easy journey, I am happy to share that gradually the audiences have expanded and the interest in art is growing. I hope more and more people will join hands and look forward to a greater participation this year," said Jatin Das, the founder of the JDCA.

Replying to a question, the festival director said, "This year's screening committee comprised Raju Mishra, Manmohan Mohapatra and Prakash Nayak."

The festival would be held at IDCOL Auditorium in the state capital of Odisha, he said.