Bhubaneswar: The 10th edition of Dhwani – A Special International Film Festival, organised by Aaina in collaboration with the SSEPD Department, Government of Odisha, and chaired by Jitendra Kumar Biswal, concluded successfully, marking its evolution from a state-level initiative to a globally acclaimed platform for inclusive cinema.
The festival was held at the GKCM Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar.
The two-day event featured over 45 national and international short films that portrayed the resilience, creativity, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Screenings, cultural performances, and panel discussions celebrated the transformative power of inclusive storytelling.
The inaugural ceremony on October 14 welcomed Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das as Guest of Honour, along with jury members and filmmakers Anant Mahapatra and Manju Borah, OTDC’s former Chairperson Lenin Mohanty, Aaina President Lalita Missal, and Festival Chairperson Jitendra Kumar Biswal.
On October 15, Chief Guest Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee and Esteemed Guest Bratati Harichandan joined speakers Dr. Pragyan Paramita Mishra and Dr. Namrita Chahal for a panel on Artificial Intelligence and Disability. Panelists included Manish Pandey, Manas Patnaik, Panchami Manoo Ukil, Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty, and Sagarika Ray.
The Prize Distribution Ceremony was graced by Rajini Jani, Bratati Harichandan, Kamala Kant Rath, Abhishek Giri, and other distinguished guests, including Patha Sarathi Ray, Snehasis Das, Koushik Mohapatra, Usasi Misra, and festival sponsors.
Award Highlights:
- One-Minute Category:
- 1st: Sakshyam – Ananya Kanungo
- 2nd: Silence Vision – Abhinandan Satpathy
- Five-Minute Category:
- 1st: Tune of Life – Akash Manohar Fuke
- 2nd: Beula – Suresh Kumar
- 3rd: Issai – The Voice Unheard – Shamil Raj
- Thirty-Minute Category:
- 1st: Katty’s Katty – Aditya Yadav
- 2nd: The Way We Are – Daria Tchapanova
- 3rd: Ashruta – The Unheard – Ridhibesh Bhattacharjee
- Special Mentions:
- Re-think – Subranshu Sahoo
- Beyond Level – Saheli Sanyal
Dhwani continues to be a global celebration of ability, art, and advocacy, demonstrating how inclusive cinema can reshape perceptions and foster a more equitable society.
