BHUBANESWAR: In its bid to improve the standard of Odia film industry, the State Government is contemplating to come up with a film policy under provisions of the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR), 2015 by next year.
With the film sector being classified as an industry, the Industries Department aims to formulate a film policy in consultation with the Culture Department that would look into the quality of movies being made and necessary financial requirements of filmmakers, said Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra during the 26th State Film Awards ceremony on Saturday. Mishra said the State Government plans to implement the policy before the 80th anniversary of Odia film industry that would be celebrated next year.
At present, Odia films being produced are mostly remakes or inspired by Tamil, Bengali and Telugu movies. “The policy will come as a big help for filmmakers who are willing to experiment with art movies and documentaries, besides those who want to work on new story ideas,” said Culture Minister Ashok Panda.
Mishra and Panda conferred the prestigious lifetime achievement award, Jaydev Samman, on veteran actor Bijay Mohanty for his contribution to Odia film industry. The ‘Aadim Vichar’ directed by Sabyasachi Mohapatra bagged six major awards. While Mohapatra got the Best Director Award for the second year in a row, the film’s protagonist Atal Bihari Panda received the Best Actor and Best Screen Play Award.
The movie, which deals with values of tribals, was also selected for Best Art Director, Best Supporting Actress (Lochani Bag) and the Special Jury Award.
Receiving the award, Mohapatra said, “Aadim Vichar getting so many awards indicates that people still like original stories that depicts the Odia culture and Odias. We are currently not giving the viewers what they want.”
‘Krantidhara’, a film on struggles of women, bagged the Best Film Award while Gargi Mohanty - who played the lead role in the film - got the Best Actress Award. Itirani Samanta won the Best Story Writer Award for ‘Krantidhara’.
Bikas Das got Best Music Director Award for ‘Golapi Golapi’ while Sanjib Mohapatra won Best Cinematography Award for ‘Bhaunri’. A glittering cultural show was presented on the occasion by members of the film and television industries.
The State Tele Awards for 2014 will be given away on Sunday. Awards will be given away in 20 categories.