Organised by All Things Odisha, its monthly discussion forum Odisha Manaska had its 10th circle today at the ExtraOdinari space in Saheed Nagar. The May edition of the circle had a relatable and touching topic for discussion “Who Are We on Screen? Shaping and Reflecting the Evolving Odia Identity Through Film”.
Eminent Odia film journalist, historian, researcher and archivist Surya Deo, who is also a National Award winner for Best Writing on Cinema was one of the resource persons along with young actor, indie filmmaker and producer of several internationally acclaimed films Swastik Choudhury were in conversation with the participants.
Around 20 people from various walks of life with an inclination towards cinema and different aspects of cinematic understanding had attended the session and actively taken part in the conversation.
The participants discussed about the representation of Odia identity in Odia cinema and reflection of evolving Odia cultural and traditional milieu in Odia cinema over the years along with representation of Odisha’s vast diversity in Odia films.
Surya Deo highlighted that the cultural identity might change but it remained rooted and Odia cinema needed to reflect all these aspects. “Once the remake culture started in Odia film industry, it started affecting the story telling aspect of Odia filmmakers,” cited Deo. He also added that lack of experimentation in Odia cinema has not been able to showcase the societal evolution.
Swastik pointed out that cinema is multilayered and people should understand its nuances with context. “We must make Odia films keeping global audience in mind while keeping cultural elements from Odisha so that people from other regions, languages and nationalities would long to watch Odia cinema just like popular regional cinema industries in India doing currently. At the same time, we must understand that resources are not constraints,” said Swastik.
People also highlighted lack of accessibility for film lovers in the state affects the industry and filmmaking as a whole. The ecosystem needs to change for filmmaking and film watching in the state. We need more such platforms to discuss about cinema and its intellectual aspects so that it would create awareness among general public, was the reflection of many participants.
Odisha Manaska (Odisha on my Mind) circle is an attempt by All Things Odisha to conduct similar such physical sessions every month to gather collective wisdom from participants who represent a wider ideological, socio-economic, cultural and political spectrum. Odisha Manaska aims to be a community of people irrespective of gender, caste, religion, and region who think about Odisha and wants to contribute any possible way for the development of Odisha.
The individuals who gather at the circle share their views, insights, inputs from their lived experiences. Everyone is encouraged to share their views at this forum while remaining tolerant and respectful to others and adversary views, thus providing a democratic platform for all to share their thoughts for building a better Odisha and aspiring to be better in their own lives. In last nine editions, Odisha Manaska has touched upon topics related to Odisha such as Odia identity, festivals, dying practices, food, migration, maritime history, love, rivers and regional disparity.
