Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will soon formulate a new film policy and establish a dedicated Film Training Institute to revive and strengthen the Odia film industry, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Friday.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while participating in a special interaction with eminent film personalities and artists at Sanskruti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The discussion focused on the present condition and future roadmap of Odia cinema.
Describing Odia cinema as a symbol of the Odia people’s self-respect and cultural identity, Majhi said films are not merely a source of entertainment but a reflection of a society’s memories, emotions, culture and soul.
“A society that creates great cinema can strengthen its identity on the global stage,” the Chief Minister said, while stressing the need for Odia cinema to develop its own distinct voice rather than imitate other industries.
Highlighting Odisha’s rich cultural and historical legacy, he said themes rooted in Lord Jagannath culture, Kalinga’s maritime history, tribal traditions, stories of resilience during cyclones and floods, rural life and the riverside culture of the Mahanadi and other rivers could strongly connect with audiences.
Majhi also announced plans to establish a Film Training Institute in Odisha to nurture skilled professionals in film production and related fields.
Criticising previous governments for allegedly neglecting the film industry, the Chief Minister said the present “Odia Asmita Government” is committed to creating strong film infrastructure in the state. He assured that financial constraints would not hinder the growth of the Odia film sector.
Odisha’s Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the Odia film industry would play a major role when the state celebrates its centenary in 2036. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would help shape the future direction of Odia cinema.
Among those present were Korei MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak, Digapahandi MLA and actor Siddhant Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Director of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, and Odisha Sahitya Akademi Secretary Chandrashekhar Hota.
Prominent film personalities including Anubhav Mohanty, Anu Choudhury, Pushpa Panda, Harihar Mahapatra, Pinky Pradhan and producer Siddharth Agrawal also attended the programme.
The Chief Minister held detailed discussions with artists and technicians regarding issues faced by the industry and assured them of long-term solutions.
